Iowa’s Hands-Free Law Shows Results | Des Moines News

Des Moines News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Jul 11, 2026 · 1m

Iowa’s hands-free driving law is paying off—with a 13% drop in phone-tapping and 9% decline in handheld calls, thanks to drivers putting phones down behind the wheel. Data from Nationwide and Cambridge Mobile Telematics show progress across 85% of counties, including Polk County’s 9% reduction. The State Patrol issued over 18,000 warnings and nearly 15,000 citations since enforcement began, with Sergeant Alex Dinkla noting a real cultural shift toward safer habits. Still, 148 traffic deaths this year remind everyone: hands-free tech like voice commands and Bluetooth remain crucial to saving…