81 CRASHES IN
IOWA, IA
2015

In 2015, all 25 reported injuries in Decatur County crashes were sustained by motorists. There were no fatalities recorded for any group. Additionally, no pedestrians or cyclists were reported as either killed or injured in traffic collisions during this period.

Crash occurrences in Decatur County peaked on Saturdays, with 19 incidents recorded. The most frequent time for crashes was the 6 p.m. hour, which saw 8 crashes. Analysis of lighting conditions shows that while 24 crashes occurred during daylight, a notable 17 crashes took place on unlit roadways after dark.

Of the 81 total crashes, 75.3% (61 incidents) resulted in no injuries and were classified as property-damage-only. The remaining 24.7% involved injuries, including 5 serious injury crashes, 6 minor injury crashes, and 9 possible injury crashes. There were no fatal crashes recorded in 2015, and consequently, no persons were killed.

The most common contributing factor cited in Decatur County crashes was 'Animal,' which was involved in 31 incidents, representing 38.3% of the total. The second most frequent factor was 'Lost Control,' accounting for 9 crashes (11.1%). Various forms of driver distraction, including adjusting devices, exterior distractions, and reaching for objects, were collectively cited in 6 crashes.

Analysis of environmental conditions shows that many crashes occurred in ideal conditions, with 26 incidents in clear weather and 31 on dry road surfaces. Crashes during daylight hours accounted for 24 incidents. Adverse conditions also played a role, with 10 crashes occurring on wet roads and 6 on icy or frosty surfaces.

Among persons involved in crashes, the most represented age groups were 55-64 years old (24 individuals), 45-54 years old (23 individuals), and 26-34 years old (20 individuals). The most frequent vehicle makes involved in crashes were Ford with 17 vehicles and Chevrolet with 15 vehicles. Dodge was also prominent, appearing with 8 vehicles.

The primary major cause of crashes was interaction with an 'Animal,' cited in 31 incidents, or 38.3% of the total. 'Lost Control' was the second leading cause, contributing to 9 crashes (11.1%). Other notable causes included 'Ran off road - straight' with 4 crashes and 'Followed too close' with 3 crashes.

The most frequent first harmful event was a 'Collision with: Animal,' which occurred in 31 crashes. The second most common event was a 'Collision with: Vehicle in traffic,' recorded in 25 crashes. Single-vehicle events were also significant, with 6 crashes involving a ditch and 5 involving an overturn or rollover.

A significant majority of crashes, 38 in total, occurred at non-intersection locations. In contrast, 8 crashes were recorded at various types of intersections, including 4 at four-way intersections and 2 at T-intersections. Interchange-related crashes, such as on off-ramps, accounted for another 4 incidents.

Passenger cars were the most common vehicle type involved in crashes, with 38 units recorded. Light trucks and pickups were the second most frequent with 25 vehicles, followed by tractor/semi-trailers with 15 vehicles and sport utility vehicles with 12. One motorcycle was involved in a crash during this period.

The vast majority of vehicles involved in crashes, 67 in total, were at locations with no traffic controls present. Where controls were a factor, stop signs were noted for 4 vehicles and work zone signs were also present for 4 vehicles. Yield signs were a factor for 3 vehicles involved in crashes.

The front of the vehicle was the most common area of damage, reported for 25 vehicles, indicating a prevalence of frontal impacts. The rear of the vehicle was the second most frequent damage area with 14 instances, consistent with rear-end collisions. Damage to the driver-side front and front-driver-side corner was also notable, each reported for 6 vehicles.

Crash distribution within Decatur County shows the highest concentration in Leon, with 11 reported incidents. Lamoni followed with 3 crashes, and Decatur City recorded 2 crashes. A number of crashes occurred outside of any specific municipal boundary and are not included in this city-level breakdown.

The overwhelming majority of crashes, 79 in total, occurred on paved roadways. A small number of incidents, 2 crashes, were reported on unpaved surfaces such as gravel or dirt roads.

Roadway factors were cited as a contributor in a minority of crashes. The most common factor was 'Surface condition,' such as wet or icy roads, which was noted in 11 incidents. Work zones were also a contributing factor, with 3 crashes occurring in roadway-related work zones.

The estimated property damage per crash was most commonly in the $1,500 to $7,500 range, which accounted for 47 incidents. A further 25 crashes resulted in damages between $7,500 and $25,000. High-damage crashes, with estimates exceeding $25,000, occurred in 6 instances, representing 7.4% of the total.

The dominant crash type was 'Non-collision (single vehicle),' such as running off the road or overturning, which accounted for 47 incidents or 58% of all crashes. The most common type of multi-vehicle crash was 'Rear-end,' with 13 incidents, making up 16% of the total. Broadside collisions were reported in 4 crashes.

The vast majority of drivers involved in crashes, 70 in total, were engaged in 'Movement essentially straight' just prior to the incident. Far less frequent pre-crash actions included 'Turning right,' reported for 5 drivers, and 'Slowing/stopping,' reported for 4 drivers.

Of the 135 individuals involved in crashes, the overwhelming majority, 130 people, were drivers. The remaining 5 individuals were recorded as passengers. No other person types, such as pedestrians or cyclists, were involved in crashes during this period.

A total of 25 individuals sustained injuries in crashes. Among these, 6 people suffered serious injuries, 8 had minor injuries, and 11 were classified with possible injuries. There were no fatalities recorded among any persons involved in crashes.

Based on available data for safety equipment usage, 15 occupants were reported as using a shoulder and lap belt. In 4 instances, it was noted that no safety equipment was used. This information was not recorded for the majority of participants.

A majority of the incidents, 52 crashes or 64.2%, involved only a single vehicle. Two-vehicle collisions accounted for the remaining 29 crashes. No crashes involving three or more vehicles were reported during this period.