(Le Mars) — During the last few weeks, Plymouth County has had four traffic accident fatalities. That number is tragic and unfortunate. According to the Iowa Department of Transportation statistics, so far this year there have been 13 fatalities on Iowa roads, Plymouth County makes up one-fourth of the total fatalities for Iowa. John Farley with the Iowa State Patrol says our traffic accidents have had many factors.
Farley says Iowa State Patrol always sets the goal of under 300 fatalities for each year. Surprisingly, the number has been between 319 and 336 for the last several years. Farley says the last time Iowa was below 300 fatalities was back in 1925.
Farley says nearly a week ago, the Iowa State Patrol and other law enforcement officials responded to more than 60 accidents that occurred on Interstate 80 through Des Moines.
The Iowa State Patrol trooper says we all need to utilize defensive driving and no distractions when we take to the roadways.
Farley says every time we drive, whether it is for a short distance, or a long journey, we need to buckle our seat belts, and he says be aware of your surroundings.
