Iowa officials caution about school risks as teen drivers cause over 65,000 crashes since 2020.
As students prepare to return to school next week in Iowa, the Department of Transportation officials are cautioning about the increased risk of car crashes. According to DOT data, from 2020 onwards, there have been over 65,815 car crashes involving drivers aged 14 to 19, leading to 300 fatalities. With more inexperienced drivers expected on the roads as school resumes, there is a heightened probability of accidents occurring. Larry Grant, the state safety planner at the Department, stresses that especially during the initial months of new drivers being out there, crashes are likely to happen. The data reveals an increase in accidents involving Des Moines Public School students, accounting for 8.48% of crashes statewide. The period of peak youth motorist crashes is around 7 a.m. and significantly rises at 3 p.m. as students are leaving school. Grant points out that January sees a peak in crashes as weather conditions can be a contributing factor. Most teenage crashes are rear-ended, with following too closely being a major cause. One notable observation is the narrower gender gap in youth motorist crashes compared to other demographics. Grant advises young drivers to be extra vigilant, particularly at uncontrolled rural intersections where visibility may be limited due to crops obstructing the view. The recent tragic crash in Boone County underscores the importance of attentiveness, emphasizing that safety measures like reducing distractions and adhering to road rules are crucial, with the safest option for students being school buses.
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