920 CRASHES IN
IOWA, IA
2015

In 2015, motorists constituted the largest group of individuals killed or injured, with 3 fatalities and 260 injuries. Vulnerable road users were also impacted; one pedestrian was killed and 10 were injured. Additionally, 6 cyclists were injured in traffic collisions, though no cyclist fatalities were recorded.

Crash occurrences in Des Moines County peaked on Fridays, with 156 incidents reported, and on Thursdays with 141 incidents. The most frequent time for crashes was the 3 p.m. hour, which saw 88 collisions, followed by the 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. hours. A significant majority of crashes, 587 in total (63.8%), occurred during daylight hours.

Of the 920 total crashes, approximately 75.1% (691 crashes) resulted in no injuries and were limited to property damage. The remaining incidents involved some level of injury, including 16 serious injury crashes and 65 minor injury crashes. There were 4 fatal crashes recorded, which resulted in a total of 4 fatalities.

The leading contributing factor identified in crashes was the presence of an animal, cited in 102 incidents (11.1%). Failure to yield the right-of-way from a stop sign was the next most common specific driver action, contributing to 63 crashes (6.8%). Following too closely was also a significant factor, involved in 62 crashes (6.7%).

The majority of crashes occurred in favorable conditions, with 63.8% (587 crashes) happening in daylight and 66.6% (613 crashes) on dry road surfaces. Clear weather was reported for 54.8% of crashes (504 incidents). Adverse conditions were less frequent, with rain noted in 57 crashes and wet roads in 103 crashes.

Analysis of persons involved in crashes shows the 26-34 age group was the most represented, with 304 individuals, followed by the 16-20 age group with 255 individuals. Among the 1,621 vehicles involved, Ford was the most frequent make listed (283 vehicles). Vehicles from Chevrolet (315 total, combining 'CHEV' and 'CHEVROLET' entries) and Dodge (150 total, combining 'DODG' and 'DODGE') were also commonly involved in crashes.

The most frequently recorded major cause of crashes was an animal in the roadway, accounting for 102 incidents. Driver-related actions followed, with failure to yield right-of-way from a stop sign cited in 63 crashes and following too closely in 62 crashes. Running off the road to the left was also a common cause, contributing to 56 crashes.

The most common first harmful event was a collision with another vehicle in traffic, which occurred in 580 crashes, representing 63% of all incidents. Collisions with animals were the second most frequent event, recorded in 89 crashes. Collisions with fixed objects, such as ditches (22 events), utility poles (21 events), and curbs (16 events), were also notable.

Crashes were more likely to occur on non-intersection road segments, which accounted for 445 incidents, or 48.4% of the total. Four-way intersections were the most common type of junction for crashes, with 238 incidents reported. T-intersections were the location for another 58 crashes.

Passenger cars were the most common vehicle type involved in crashes, accounting for 761 of the 1,621 vehicles (47%). Light trucks and sport utility vehicles were also frequently involved, with 320 and 309 vehicles respectively. Tractor/semi-trailers were involved in crashes 30 times, while motorcycles were involved 21 times.

Analysis of traffic controls indicates that the majority of crashes, 925 incidents, occurred where no traffic controls were present. For crashes at controlled locations, traffic signals were the most common device, present at 330 crashes. Stop signs were present at 202 crash locations.

Frontal impacts were the most common area of vehicle damage, with 401 vehicles sustaining damage primarily to the front. An additional 299 vehicles had damage concentrated in the front corners. Rear-end collisions were indicated by 180 vehicles with primary damage to the rear, while side impacts were noted for a combined 228 vehicles damaged on the driver or passenger side.

A total of 37 crashes, representing 4% of all incidents, were recorded as involving an impaired driver. Among these crashes where impairment type was specified, alcohol was a factor in 33 cases and drugs were a factor in 2 cases. These figures represent a minimum count, as impairment may not be determined in all applicable instances.

The highest concentration of crashes within the county occurred in Burlington, which recorded 618 incidents. West Burlington had the second-highest volume with 100 crashes. Other municipalities, including Mediapolis (20 crashes), Danville (10 crashes), and Middletown (8 crashes), reported significantly fewer incidents.

The vast majority of crashes, 875 incidents, occurred on paved roadways. Crashes on unpaved surfaces like gravel or dirt roads accounted for 41 incidents, or approximately 4.5% of crashes where the surface type was recorded.

In cases where a roadway factor was noted as a contributor, adverse surface conditions such as wet or icy roads were the most common, cited in 84 crashes. Work zones were a contributing factor in 17 crashes. Other noted factors included slippery or loose surfaces (8 crashes) and obstructions in the roadway (2 crashes).

Among drivers for whom a condition other than 'apparently normal' was recorded, driving under the influence of alcohol was the most frequent, noted for 48 drivers. Driver fatigue or falling asleep was documented for 8 drivers. Other conditions included an emotional state (7 drivers) and influence of drugs or medication (5 drivers).

Officer-estimated property damage was most commonly in the $1,500 to $7,500 range, which applied to 744 crashes, or 80.9% of the total. A smaller number of crashes resulted in more significant damage, with 136 incidents estimated between $7,500 and $25,000. Eight crashes were estimated to have damage exceeding $25,000.

Single-vehicle, non-collision events such as running off the road were the most frequent crash type, accounting for 234 incidents or 25.4% of the total. Rear-end collisions were the next most common manner of collision with 210 crashes (22.8%). Broadside collisions also occurred frequently, representing 187 crashes or 20.3% of all incidents.

The most common pre-crash action for vehicles was moving essentially straight, which was the case for 889 vehicles, or 54.8% of all vehicles with a recorded action. Turning left was the next most frequent maneuver, recorded for 155 vehicles. A notable 134 vehicles were legally parked when they were struck.

Among the 19 non-motorists involved in crashes, the most common recorded action was entering or crossing a roadway, documented for 5 individuals. Three non-motorists were moving along the roadway with traffic at the time of their collision. The action for 6 individuals was recorded as 'Other'.

Drivers constituted the vast majority of individuals involved in crashes, accounting for 1,835 of the 1,922 people recorded (95.5%). Passengers made up another 68 individuals (3.5%). The remaining persons involved included 11 pedestrians, 6 bicyclists, and 2 other non-motorists.

A total of 282 individuals sustained injuries or were killed in traffic crashes. This includes 4 fatalities, 22 serious injuries, 85 minor injuries, and 171 possible injuries. These individuals represent 14.7% of the 1,922 total persons involved in crashes during this period.

Among the 209 vehicle occupants for whom safety equipment use was specified, 185 were reported as using a shoulder and lap belt. Fifteen occupants were recorded as using no safety equipment at all. Additionally, 5 occupants were secured in a forward-facing child safety seat and 1 was in a booster seat.

The majority of crashes, 610 incidents or 66.3%, involved two vehicles. Single-vehicle crashes accounted for 272 incidents, representing 29.6% of the total. Multi-vehicle collisions involving three or more vehicles were less common, with 29 crashes involving three vehicles and 9 crashes involving four or more.