We’ve all seen it – a driver’s head tipped down, a device in their hands, and a vehicle that drifts. When you pick up your phone to read or send a text, your entire focus is diverted away from the road. No text is worth a fatal crash.
Texting and driving is a bad habit to break. Our records show that law enforcement statewide have issued more than 1,400 warnings for violations of the Hands-Free Law since it went into effect on July 1.
Today, using your words is the new normal. You can take your hands out of the equation and increase your focus on the road with the right voice command tools and drive focus settings on your phone:
Ways To Stay Hands Free
- Bluetooth: Bluetooth devices like speakers, earpieces, or adapters let you go hands-free without wires.
- Auxiliary Cable: Connect your phone to the AUX jack to use voice commands or one-touch control, with audio through your car speakers.
- Vehicle Mount: Use a vent clip or cup holder mount to secure your phone. Then use voice commands.
- Speakerphone: Turn on speakerphone and set your phone in a secure spot to comply with hands-free laws.
How To Enable Drive Focus
iPhone:
- Open “Settings”
- Go to “Focus”
- Selecting “Driving”
- Customize “Driving Focus”
Android:
- Open “Settings”
- Find “Modes and Routines” or a similar term
- Select “Driving”: Find and tap on “Driving” mode
In 2025, in Iowa, 143 people have been killed in traffic crashes. That’s an increase of 10 since last Friday. In Iowa in 2024, there were 356 traffic-related deaths. To see statistics published daily by the Office of Driver Services, visit the daily fatality report.