Trooper Talks About Reducing Number Of Fatal Crashes

Northwest Iowa — “Zero. It’s a goal we can all live with.” That’s the slogan of the Iowa DOT’s Zero Fatalities campaign.

As we near the end of the calendar year, many people start thinking about statistics for the year, and the campaign to have zero fatal car crashes is no exception. But Iowa State Patrol Trooper Vince Kurtz says it’s about more than just statistics.

Kurtz says that as far as the four northwest Iowa counties are concerned, more improvement is needed.

With such a small sample size, it’s difficult to draw conclusions. Plus, the small sample could be skewed by things as unpredictable as the weather. So we asked Kurtz to give us an idea of statewide stats.

Kurtz says we have to remember that the year is not yet over.

He also says that when looking at fatality statistics, it’s helpful to get a wide picture — similar to the term that you would consider when evaluating an investment. He says we need to look at 20, 30, or even 40 years ago compared to now to get a general trend — which he says is positive.

We asked Kurtz what can be done to reduce the number of fatal crashes. Of course, he cited some of the things you would expect like slowing down, not driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, not driving distracted, staying alert, and wearing your seat belt. But he also says police presence helps make a difference.