While some states have banned the use of cell phones while driving, Iowa legislators are sharply divided.

According to a new study from the National State Legislators, 40 state legislative branches have proposed laws banning or restricting cell phones while driving.

Rep. Michael Cormack, R-Fort Dodge, said he introduced a bill three or four years ago about cell phone use while driving, and it was not considered an issue. Now it is being talked about all around the nation.

“I personally support cell phones being banned while driving, but Iowa is heavily divided on the issue,” Cormack said.

The New England Journal printed a study stating a person is four times more likely to have an accident while on a cell phone, he said.

“It is going to take a high-profile incident for people to change their minds,” Cormack said.

Terri Rutter, manager of Spring Valley Wireless, 2801 Grand Ave., said she does not believe cell phones should be banned while driving because she personally gets a lot of work done while driving. However, she said she can understand why it is up for debate.

“I can see where there are more accidents for people talking on their cell phones,” Rutter said.

Sen. Johnie Hammond, D-Ames, said she does not use her cell phone while driving. “If I need to use a cell phone, I pull over to the side of the road,” she said.

Hammond said she understands certain businesses, such as realty, use cell phones in cars for a majority of their work.

“Driving while talking is dangerous, but I know that there are businesses that say they do a lot of work on the road,” she said.

Cormack said if there are alternatives he would be open to the idea of talking on cell phones while driving.

“If we want to have hand-free sets, I would support that over a ban of cell phones while driving,” he said.

Hammond said talking is not the real issue while driving. She said the problem is holding the phone and dialing.

“People can concentrate on the road if their hands are free; people listen to music and listen to talk radio while driving,” she said.

Rutter said hand-free kits for cars are available. She said there are headsets, specially installed phones and many other options for drivers.

She said these alternatives range from $34 to $300.

“We sell a lot of headsets that are hands free to customers for driving,” Rutter said.

Cormack said he does not see an immediate resolution to the problem.

“Cell phone driving bans are an issue that should be done, but whenever you have issues where there is no middle ground, it is very unlikely to become law,” he said.

Dena Gray-Fisher, spokesperson for the Iowa Department of Transportation, said the department is in favor of cell phone use in certain situations.

“We know that cell phones cause a distraction when not used for emergencies, and the DOT is trying to eliminate distractions,” Gray-Fisher said. “When you are driving, you should be concentrating on driving.”

She said the DOT supports having cell phones in the car for emergency purposes because they are a great tool for communication in that kind of a situation.

There are specific areas where the DOT is concerned with people on their cell phones.

“We are concerned with people driving through work zones because they need to be concentrating on the road,” Gray-Fisher said.

She said the DOT will continue to tell drivers to eliminate distractions like cell phone use and eating.