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Road Safety in Iowa Starts Here
Remember, car crashes are no accident. Because crashes can be prevented with proper driving behaviors. Changing driving behaviors to keep Iowa roads safe starts with every one of us. Explore the links below to see what you can do to keep yourself and others safe whenever you’re behind the wheel, riding a bike or motorcycle, or using Iowa’s sidewalks.
Impaired Driving
When you decide to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you put yourself — and everyone else — in danger. Plus, you risk severe financial, legal and social consequences that stick with you for years. Make the smart choice to get a ride whenever you’ve been drinking or consuming mind-altering substances — including legal prescription drugs.
Distracted Driving
Every time you glance at your phone, reach for a snack, scroll your playlist, put on makeup, or do anything else to take your eyes off the road, you’re driving distracted. Stay focused to stay safe. Keep your hands on the wheel and your mind on driving.
Aggressive Driving and Speeding
Speeding excessively and driving aggressively are not good ways to make up time. In fact, they put you and others in danger. Slow down and stay calm behind the wheel — so you can arrive alive.
Seat Belts
In Iowa, over half of traffic deaths involve passengers who weren’t wearing seat belts, and so many of those deaths could have been prevented. Seat belts save lives, plain and simple — and buckling up takes less than two seconds. Buckle up every time, no matter how short the trip.
Child Passenger Safety
Driving with kids requires extra precautions to protect them. Proper use of car seats, booster seats, and seat belts can significantly reduce the risk of injury or death in a car crash. Learn how to find the right car seat or booster seat and ensure they’re correctly installed to keep kids safe on every trip.
Young Drivers
New drivers need extra attention, practice, and guidance. Set a good example and teach safe driving habits from the start. Be a mentor and a “road model” for future drivers.
Motorcycle Safety
Without the protection of a vehicle, motorcyclists are far more vulnerable than drivers on the road. As a driver, you should always make sure to check your blind spots and give motorcycles plenty of space. And as a motorcyclist, you should keep up on training courses, wear a helmet and other protective gear, and stay alert. We all need to do our part to keep ourselves safe.
ATV/UTV Safety
The popularity of ATVs and UTVs has been rising in Iowa. But so have ATV- and UTV-related fatalities. Protect yourself on your ATV/UTV by wearing a helmet and seatbelt, obeying speed regulations and always driving sober. Read about ATV/UTV safety tips and laws that can help keep you safe.
Pedestrians & Bicycles
Pedestrians and cyclists are particularly vulnerable on the road. It’s the responsibility of drivers to look out for them — especially in residential areas. Yield at crosswalks and give bicyclists room to ride safely. And when you’re a pedestrian or cyclist, make sure to obey traffic laws, be alert, and stay visible. It’s important that we all share the road safely.