Startling figures from the Iowa State Patrol indicate a troubling 20% uptick in daily fatalities on Iowa’s roads in 2023 compared to the 5-year average. Despite collaborative efforts with neighboring states last year, attempts to reduce fatalities have proven unsuccessful.
On Wednesday, Lori Martin and her family, returning from a Gulf Coast vacation, joined the thousands traversing I-380. While not witnessing widespread speeding, Martin remained cautious, steering clear of the fast lane when faster vehicles approached.
State Trooper Bob Conrad highlights an unsettling trend of motorists hitting triple-digit speeds, evident in the patrol’s social media posts. Cars exceeding 100 MPH, including one at 115 MPH near Dubuque and another at 123 MPH in Johnson County, have led to 117 tickets in the first two months of the year, contributing to the rising fatality count.
Trooper Conrad attributes the surge to distracted driving, emphasizing the need for community involvement. Despite collaborative efforts with other states, the numbers persist, prompting a call for reporting violations to 9-1-1 and exploring alternative enforcement projects.
As warmer weather approaches, Trooper Conrad expresses concern about potential accidents, emphasizing the critical need for road safety. The focus now lies on fostering a collective commitment to safer driving practices in the face of this concerning rise in roadway fatalities.
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