A southeast Iowa State Senator says personal responsibility is the core of traffic safety, and new laws that reinforce that idea takes place July 1st. State Senator Becky Schmitz from Fairfield says penalties will be increased for people who kill or injure someone while running a red light. Schmitz says it will be illegal for teenage drivers to use any electronic communications or entertainment devices while driving as well. It will also be illegal for all drivers to text while behind the wheel. Schmitz says officers will give out warnings for the first year. She says these new laws will help prevent accidents, but the most important way to stay safe is to focus on driving responsibly every time you’re behind the wheel.

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