As of mid-December, Des Moines had only received about three inches of snow. As of this writing, the forecast wasn’t promising for having a white Christmas. But we all know that slick roads and decreased visibility are likely sooner rather than later, as our average snowfall is about three feet each winter. Keeping yourself and others safe depends on knowing how to handle winter driving hazards. Here are a few tips to keep in mind when the cold and snow arrive. Driving in cold weather First, if you want your vehicle nice and toasty before hitting the road, never warm it up in an enclosed space ..read more

When traversing the picturesque state of Iowa, one might not immediately think of treacherous roads. However, just like any other place, the state has its share of challenging roadways that require a driver’s utmost attention and caution. Below are some of the most dangerous roads that demand extra vigilance. Whether you’re a local resident or a traveler passing through, understanding the hazards that these routes pose can significantly contribute to safer journeys. Interstate 80: The cross-country highway Interstate 80, the iconic cross-country highway traversing the state, showcases the deli ..read more

In May, Governor Kim Reynolds signed new limits into law that protect trucking companies. First, the law shields them from lawsuits claiming they negligently hired a driver who was involved in a crash. Second, the new law limits compensation for the pain and suffering victims experience in crashes with big commercial trucks. Now, crash victims will only be allowed to receive up to $5 million for their pain and suffering. However, they can still receive compensation for all of their economic losses, including lost wages due to the accident and all related medical expenses. In some cases, they m ..read more

Every crash that occurs features unique characteristics. The specific vehicles involved, their speed at the time of the crash and the angle of approach when they collide can all influence the scope of the damage and the injuries incurred by the occupants of the vehicles in question. Certain factors have a known association with poor outcomes, including high speeds and inclement weather conditions. Additionally, a very large vehicle colliding with a smaller, more compact vehicle is also a risk factor for poor outcomes. Bigger and heavier vehicles can do more damage Ever since pickup trucks and ..read more

You may have read the stories that traffic fatalities actually rose during the pandemic even though far fewer people were driving. That’s true, and it needs to be addressed. Yet it’s also part of a larger trend. During the 90s, before standard air bags and safer car frames, the fatality rate was predictably high worldwide. Then the floodgates of safety technology seemed to open. Each year, there were new innovations in vehicle safety and greater seat belt compliance. As the percentage of cars with these features grew and more people wore their seat belts, fatalities dropped. Now, they are on t ..read more

Rural roads are just more dangerous. The crash rate on rural roads is twice that on state roads, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation (IDOT). Unfortunately, despite the many hazards and relative lack of safety equipment on rural and gravel roads, many people feel like the lack of traffic keeps them safer. Yes, there is less traffic, but there are also slow-moving vehicles, farm equipment, and oversize vehicles; culverts and driveways; nearby ditches, ponds and pastures; crossing animals; less signage, no shoulder and a lack of guard rails. There is plenty of activity and lots of ..read more

The Iowa State Patrol issued an urgent plea for motorists to be extra careful over the coming weeks as we are in the midst of the “100 Deadliest Days.” It’s the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day when fatal crashes involving teenagers escalate. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) ranks car crashes as the second-highest cause of teenage deaths, averaging nearly seven per day. That rate is significantly higher during the summer when school is out, and more young and inexperienced drivers are on the road. Sobering statistics on teenage motorists The CDC says drivers 16 to 19 ..read more

We have all seen the big electronic signs suspended above the highway that display safety messages, such as reminders to buckle up or admonitions against risky behavior like drunk driving or texting while driving. Sometimes these signs display the number of traffic fatalities that have occurred so far this year. A new study suggests that this display may not be serving the purpose for which it was intended – on the contrary, it may have a negative impact on safety. A potentially fatal distraction In 2013, the Iowa Department of Transportation launched the Zero Fatalities safety campaign. As pa ..read more

When people get in their cars, they often do a few things without putting much thought into them. They start the ignition, check the mirrors and pick something to listen to. Hopefully, they also put on their seat belt.  If this last part doesn’t happen, drivers can expect to hear or see an alert reminding them to buckle up. But are these reminders actually effective? Good, Acceptable, Marginal and Poor The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) recently released ratings for vehicle seat belt reminders in small and mid-size SUVs. Their ratings reflect several factors, incl ..read more

Iowa road fatalities reached a six-year high last year as more drivers subscribe to risky and illegal behavior. According to the Iowa Department of Transportation, a total of 354 people died on state roads in 2021. That represents a 3% increase compared with the number of traffic fatalities from 2020 The preliminary number represented the most traffic fatalities in the state since 2016 when 402 people died on Iowa roads. So far, through Jan. 14 of this year, nine people have died on Iowa roads, two more than the same time a year ago. What is contributing to the increased number of traffic deat ..read more