What causes motor vehicle crashes?
The safety of road transportation is a product of interactions between the driver, roadway environment and the way a vehicle is designed, equipped and performs. A breakdown in one or more of these elements will significantly increase the risk of a serious crash.
In a national study of why roadway accidents happen, it was found that reasons for crashes overlap. Driver factors are involved in 93 percent of crashes. Roadway aspects are included in 34 percent of the accidents. Vehicle malfunctions can be included in 12 percent of crashes.
Iowa’s Multi-Disciplinary Approach to Improving Highway Safety
Iowa is a leader in highway safety and has one of the few multi-disciplinary/multi-agency safety management systems (SMS) in the country. The Iowa SMS is a group represented by a diverse partnership of highway safety practitioners in engineering, enforcement, education, and emergency services dedicated to reducing the human suffering and economic losses resulting from crashes on Iowa's roadways through the identification of causes, resources, and safety implications of policy decisions.
News Releases
Dec. 14, 2004
Dec. 21, 2004
Dec. 28, 2004
Jan. 4, 2005
Fact Sheets
 General Facts about Highway Safety in Iowa
Statutory Changes that have Reduced Injuries and Fatalities
Vehicle Design, Equipment and Performance
Injury Prevention and Occupant Protection
Emergency Medical Services
Improvements in the Roadway Environment
Railroad/Highway Grade Crossing Safety
Ensuring Drivers are Fully Licensed, Competent and Insured
Enforcement
At-risk Driver Populations (younger drivers, older drivers and impaired drivers)
Weekly Fatality Report |
