Des Moines, Iowa – The Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau is partnering with Iowa law enforcement to launch a new campaign to combat an alarming trend: distracted driving.

Beginning April 1, motorists will see law enforcement efforts increase to educate overconfident drivers found illegally using an electronic device while driving. In order to lessen distractions, the bureau encourages Iowa drivers to start using the focus driving feature found on phones and begin utilizing hands-free driving devices.

The traffic safety bureau says distracted driving is a primary law in Iowa which means that any officer can stop any driver who is texting, reading or using any portable electronic device unless the vehicle is at a complete stop off the roadways.

The bureau is a part of the Iowa Department of Public Safety that develops strategies to lessen deaths and injuries on Iowa’s roadways using federally funded grants.

“When talking with Iowa drivers, a common sentiment is believing they can manage things behind the wheel,” said GTSB Bureau Chief Brett Tjepkes. “During one focus group, a participant said they drive better when texting because it forces them to pay attention to the road. This is ridiculous and not true. Driving requires our full attention. The reality is, No One is a Good DISTRACTED Driver.”