Traffic fatalities decline

There were 12 fewer fatality traffic accidents in 2018 compared to 2017 according to a report released by the Iowa State Patrol, who reported 318 for this past year.

Of the fatality traffic accidents in the state, the most were reported in Polk County (27), followed by Scott County with 13. Montgomery, Taylor and Adams County reported none, while Page County reported three; Mills County, 10; and Fremont County, two.

The deadliest month in 2018 for traffic deaths was June, 39, followed by July, 33. March was the least deadliest with 12.

Iowa State Patrol Sergeant Nathan Ludwig, Iowa Department of Public Safety public information officer said the biggest factors playing a role in the decline of fatality accidents are safer vehicles, seat belt usage and improved response times because of cellular phones. He added while the number of fataliies decreased in 2018, the number of overall accidents increased.

“Of the accidents the State Patrol has covered this year, we have about 500 more,” said Ludwig.

According to ia.zerofatalities.com, 94 percent of vehicle crashes are caused by human error. The most dangerous behaviors are: speeding, driving impaired, driving distracted, driving drowsy and not wearing a seatbelt.

In 2017 in the state of Iowa, crossing the center line, running off the road to the right and excess speed were the top three contributing factors for fatal crashes, according to Zero Fatalties. Of the lives lost, 243 were male and 87 were female with the age range of 14 to 19 having the most fatalities, followed by 55-59 in age.

Statistics also showed most fatality accidents occurred during the daylight hours (54.2 percent) and on dry surfaces (81.8 percent). Paved roads (87 percent) in rural areas (66.4 percent) also played a role in 2017 fatality crashes.

2016 was a record year for traffic fatalities in Iowa with 402.