126 CRASHES IN
IOWA, IA
2015

In 2015, there were no fatalities among any road users in Fremont County. A total of 58 individuals were injured, with the vast majority being motorists (57 injuries). One cyclist was injured, and there were no recorded pedestrian injuries or fatalities.

Crash occurrences in Fremont County peaked on Mondays, which saw 28 incidents in 2015. The most frequent time for crashes was the afternoon, with a peak of 12 crashes during the 3 p.m. hour. While a majority of crashes (74) occurred during daylight hours, a notable number of incidents (39) happened in dark or low-light conditions.

Out of 126 total crashes, a majority (61.9%) resulted in no injuries, involving only property damage. The remaining 38.1% of crashes involved some level of injury, including 13 crashes with serious injuries and 18 with minor injuries. There were no fatal crashes recorded in Fremont County during this period.

The leading contributing factor for crashes in 2015 was 'Lost Control,' cited in 24 incidents, or 19% of the total. Collisions involving an 'Animal' were the second most common factor, accounting for 19 crashes (15.1%). Running off the road was also a significant factor, with 'Ran off road - straight' listed in 15 crashes (11.9%).

The majority of crashes occurred in ideal driving conditions, with 68.3% (86 crashes) happening on dry roads and 61.9% (78 crashes) in clear weather. Similarly, 58.7% of crashes (74) took place during daylight hours. Adverse road surface conditions such as wet, snow, or ice were present in a combined 21 crashes.

Analysis of persons involved in crashes shows the 45-54 age group was the most represented, with 43 individuals, followed by the 26-34 age group with 38 individuals. Among the 179 vehicles involved, Ford was the most frequent make, with 33 vehicles recorded. Chevrolet was recorded 23 times, with an additional 11 instances coded as 'CHEV'.

The primary major cause identified in crashes was 'Lost Control,' accounting for 24 incidents, or 19.0% of all crashes. Collisions with animals were the second-leading cause, cited in 19 crashes (15.1%). 'Ran off road - straight' was the third most common cause, contributing to 15 crashes (11.9%).

The most common first harmful event was a 'Collision with: Vehicle in traffic,' which occurred in 42 crashes (33.3%). 'Collision with: Animal' and 'Non-collision events: Overturn/rollover' were the next most frequent events, each accounting for 18 crashes (14.3% each). Collisions with various fixed objects like ditches, embankments, and fences collectively represent another significant category of initial impacts.

A majority of crashes, 70 out of 126 (55.6%), occurred at non-intersection locations. Crashes at intersections were less frequent, with T-intersections and four-way intersections each accounting for 11 incidents. Interchange-related crashes, primarily on off-ramps, were noted in 10 cases.

Passenger cars were the most common vehicle type involved in crashes, accounting for 70 of the 179 vehicles. Light trucks, including pickups, were the second most frequent with 42 vehicles, followed by Sport Utility Vehicles with 24. Notably, large commercial vehicles (Tractor/semi-trailer) were involved in 20 instances, and motorcycles were involved in 4 crashes.

Data indicates that the vast majority of vehicles involved in crashes were in areas with no traffic controls present, accounting for 133 instances. Stop signs were the most common form of traffic control noted, present in 18 cases. Traffic signals were present for 6 of the vehicles involved in crashes.

The front of the vehicle was the most common area of initial damage, with 44 vehicles sustaining a direct frontal impact. Including corner impacts, frontal damage was recorded in a total of 69 instances. Side impacts were also frequent, with 12 vehicles damaged on the driver's side middle area, while rear-end damage was noted for 9 vehicles.

Within Fremont County, the highest volume of crashes occurred in Hamburg, which recorded 10 incidents in 2015. The city of Sidney had the second-highest number with 8 crashes. Shenandoah and Thurman followed with 4 and 3 crashes, respectively.

The vast majority of crashes, 116 out of 126, occurred on paved roadways. Crashes on unpaved surfaces, such as gravel or dirt roads, accounted for 10 incidents, representing 7.9% of the total for the year.

For the small number of crashes where a roadway factor was cited as a contributor, 'Surface condition' was the most common, noted in 12 cases. This includes factors like wet or icy roads. Other factors such as ruts or shoulder issues were each cited in only one crash.

Among crashes where a driver condition other than 'apparently normal' was recorded, being 'Under the influence of alcohol' and 'Asleep/fatigued' were the most frequent, each cited for 5 drivers. Medical issues, including seizures or fainting, were noted for 4 drivers, while influence of drugs was recorded for 2 drivers.

The estimated cost of property damage was most frequently in the '$1,500 - $7,500' range, which applied to 73 crashes. A significant number of crashes, 47, resulted in damages estimated between '$7,500 - $25,000'. High-damage crashes, with costs exceeding $25,000, accounted for 5 incidents, or 4.0% of the total.

The dominant manner of collision was 'Non-collision (single vehicle),' which includes incidents like run-offs and rollovers, accounting for 74 crashes or 58.7% of the total. Among multi-vehicle crashes, rear-end collisions were the most common type, occurring in 20 incidents (15.9%). Broadside and same-direction sideswipe crashes each accounted for 9 incidents (7.1%).

The most common pre-crash action for vehicles involved was 'Movement essentially straight,' recorded for 116 vehicles. 'Turning left' was the next most frequent action, noted for 15 vehicles prior to their involvement in a crash. An additional 7 vehicles were 'Stopped in traffic' immediately before the collision.

Of the 238 individuals involved in crashes, the vast majority were drivers, accounting for 223 people or 93.7% of the total. Passengers made up a smaller portion with 14 individuals (5.9%). One bicyclist was involved in a crash during this period.

Across all 238 people involved in crashes, 58 individuals sustained some level of injury. This included 13 serious injuries, 23 minor injuries, and 22 possible injuries. There were no fatalities recorded among any persons involved in crashes.

Based on available data for safety equipment usage, 33 occupants were recorded as using a shoulder and lap belt. In 9 instances, it was noted that no safety equipment was used by the participant. Helmet use was recorded for 3 individuals.

A majority of crashes, 78 out of 126 (61.9%), involved only a single vehicle. Two-vehicle collisions were the next most common, with 44 incidents. There were a small number of multi-vehicle pile-ups, including 3 crashes involving three vehicles and one crash involving four vehicles.