Des Moines, Iowa — Traffic deaths on Iowa roadways have been running below average, and the state is on a pace to end up below 300 for the first time in years.
There were 248 traffic deaths through Tuesday, which is 61 below the same date last year. The head of the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau, Brett Tjepkes, says there are several factors in the drop, including a big law change.
Tjepkes says the law has helped boost other efforts.
Thousands of drivers who’ve been caught breaking the law are getting warnings until January.
Tjepkes says other efforts to make the roadways safer are also working.
The State Patrol does education events and there’s more focus on educating younger drivers.
Traffic deaths have not been below 300 at this date since 2020, when they were at 295.
KIWA Staff Photo
