Mobile devices have allowed us to not only hear the person on the other end of the line, but also see them. It can be a great way to stay in touch and share a laugh or two with your loved ones. But mixing video chatting with driving can become a deadly mix.
Unfortunately, using your phone to video chat is just one of many types of distraction. According to the National Highway Safety Administration, mobile phone use was involved in 12% of car crashes.

When you are behind the wheel, make sure you aren’t tempted by your phone by doing one of the following:
• Place your phone in the trunk or backseat where you cannot reach it while driving.
• Turn your phone to silent and turn vibration off so you aren’t tempted to check it.
• Put your phone on “Do Not Disturb” or “Airplane Mode” so notifications don’t come through.
• Download an app that locks the phone if it detects that you are driving.

In 2024 in Iowa, 150 people have been killed in traffic crashes. That’s an increase of 13 since Friday, July 5. In Iowa in 2023, there were 377 traffic-related deaths. To see statistics published daily by the Office of Driver Services, go to the daily fatality report at www.iowadot.gov/mvd/stats/daily.pdf.