Dec. 28, 2004

For more information contact:
Steve Tudor
515-237-3180

Motor Vehicle-Related Fatality Information for the Week Ending Dec. 26, 2004

AMES, Iowa – The Iowa Department of Transportation is continuing its four-part series of weekly reports on motor vehicle fatality rates, as numbers remain on target to fall below the 400 mark, last achieved in 1945.

Iowa Department of Transportation Director Mark Wandro said, “We’re down to the final wire with only three days left this month.  The numbers still look promising.  So it’s in the hands of the motorists to prevent further crashes from occurring. Remember the three S’s …Speed control, Space between you and the vehicle ahead, and Seat belts.”

The DOT will be continuing this series of weekly updates through Jan. 4, 2005.  The fatality data is being accompanied by a series of facts and background information on the key contributing factors to Iowa’s continued reduction in motor vehicle injuries and fatalities.

Through December 26, 2004, there have been 368 fatalities reported by either official agencies or the media. This compares to 435 fatalities reported for the same period last year or 67 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 a fact sheet that addresses: improvement to the road environment; and railroad/highway grade crossing safety.

The final update, which will be issued Jan. 4, 2005, will focus on: 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 recent months are preliminary and can change considerably.

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