Spring has once again returned to the area, with March going out just as much like a lion as it did entering. We’ve already had a number of spring storms roll through the area.

And as temperatures start warming up again, it’s also a reminder that April is Distracted Driving Awareness Month.

This past week, Governor Kim Reynolds signed a handsfree driving bill into law, banning the use of cell phones and other devices while driving unless the devices are in hands free mode.

The new law officially goes into effect July 1, and law enforcement will spend those first six months handing out warning tickets. The fines for offenses will go into effect Jan. 1, 2026, with $100 fine for a first offense.

It’s a reminder right now of the importance of keeping your eyes on the road when you are driving. Temperatures right now are back on the rise, and with that more people are walking city streets or kids taking part in recreation in area parks and playgrounds.

It’s easy to get distracted, and taking our eyes off the road can have disastrous outcomes, as some of those families who attended that bill singing can attest to – having lost loved ones who were distracted by a cell phone when driving.

As we’ve written previously, rain is an almost every other day occurrence during the month of April, and that substance can make roadways even harder to traverse.

Spring and April is also a perfect time to practice safer driving habits we all learned when we first got behind the wheel – hands firmly on steering wheel, checking mirrors and our surroundings wherever we’re driving – and focus on the road as much as possible while being a defensive and not reactionary driver.

It’s also a great time to check that equipment on your vehicle, especially windshield wipers, turn signals and headlights.

This bill is one we agree with the legislature on – when driving, it’s important to have less distractions get in the way so everyone arrives safely at their destination.