4/12/06-Gov. Tom Vilsack signed a bill into law April 6 increasing the penalties for drivers at fault for wrecks where someone is killed or seriously injured. The effort won widespread support in the General Assembly.
Under the new law, drivers who break traffic laws – such as failure to yield or interfering with the right-of-way – in wrecks that cause serious injury could face additional fines up to $500 and/or suspension of driving privileges for up to 90 days. If someone is killed because of their negligence, the fine could jump to $1,000 and/or as much as 180 days without driving privileges.
The new law, previously SF2267, also requires driver education courses in the state to include instruction about how to share the road with motorcycles and bicycles.

3/31/06-The House voted 95-3 to approve a bill that would increase the penalties for drivers at fault for accidents where someone is killed or seriously injured.
Under SF2267, drivers who break traffic laws, such as failure to yield or interfering with the right-of-way, in accidents that cause serious injury could face additional fines up to $500 and/or suspension of driving privileges for up to 90 days. If someone is killed due to their negligence, the fine could jump to $1,000 and/or as much as 180 days without driving privileges.
The bill also would require driver education courses in the state to include instruction about how to share the road with motorcycles and bicycles.
The bill, which already passed the Senate, now heads to Gov. Tim Vilsack’s desk for his signature.
For bill status, call (515) 281-5129.