April is National Distracted Driving Awareness Month. April 1-8, the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau (GTSB) is partnering with law enforcement across Iowa to curb the alarming and unsafe trend of distracted driving. Distracted driving is a primary law in Iowa, meaning law enforcement can stop any driver who is texting (reading, writing, or sending) or using any portable electronic device unless the motor vehicle is at a complete stop off the traveled portion of the road. In 2023, over 9,000 drivers were issued citations for illegal use of an electronic device while driving compared to 1,438 in 2022. Beginning April 1, motorists will see increased law enforcement efforts to educate those found illegally using an electronic device. To limit distractions, GTSB encourages drivers to enable the ‘driving’ focus feature on their phone and use hands free features.  The Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau works with city, county, state, and local organizations to develop and implement strategies to reduce deaths and injuries on Iowa’s roadways using federally funded grants.