Dec. 21, 2004
For more information contact:
Steve Tudor
515-237-3180
Iowa Motor Vehicle-Related Fatality Information for Dec. 20, 2004
AMES, Iowa – Dec. 21, 2004 – The
Iowa Department of Transportation is continuing its series of weekly reports on
motor vehicle fatality rates, as numbers remain on target to fall below the 400
mark, last achieved in 1945.
“The numbers are still encouraging,”
said Iowa Department of Transportation Director Mark Wandro. “We only have 10
days left this month. So at this
point, it’s all up to the motorists to prevent crashes from occurring,
especially in light of winter road conditions. Remember the three S’s …Speed
control, Space between you and the vehicle ahead, and Seat
belts.”
The DOT will be continuing its series of
weekly updates through Jan. 4, 2005. Fact sheets that address the key contributing factors to
Iowa’s continued reduction in motor vehicle injuries and fatalities will
accompany the updates.
Through Dec. 20, 2004, there have been
358 fatalities reported by either official agencies or the media. This compares
to 432 fatalities reported for the same period last year or 74 fewer deaths.
The five-year average fatality rate for the month of December is 39.
For a copy of the complete online report, visit http://www.iamvd.com/ods/weekly.pdf.
This
week’s update is accompanied by three fact sheets, which address: occupant
protection; safer vehicles; and emergency medical
services.
Future
updates will focus on:
·
Dec. 28, 2004 – The
road environment; and railroad/highway grade crossing safety
·
Jan. 4, 2005
- Ensuring drivers are fully licensed, competent and insured;
enforcement; and at-risk driver populations
The
complete “Safer Roads” series will be posted on the DOT’s Web site at: www.dot.state.ia.us/saferroads.htm.
Disclaimer:
A fatality is considered “crash-related” when death occurs within 30 days of
a crash. Crash-related fatalities
are not considered “officially reported” until the Iowa Department of
Transportation has been notified by the investigating law enforcement officer or
agency. Because complex crash
investigations can delay the official report of fatalities, the numbers for the
two most current months are preliminary and can change considerably.
Contact: Steve Tudor, 515-237-3180 or
steven.tudor@dot.iowa.gov
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