91 CRASHES IN
IOWA, IA
2015

In 2015, all traffic fatalities in Keokuk County were motorists, with 2 killed and 30 injured in crashes. No cyclists were killed or injured. While no pedestrians were killed, two pedestrians sustained injuries in traffic incidents during this period.

Crash analysis for Keokuk County in 2015 shows that Mondays were the most frequent day for incidents, with 22 of the 91 total crashes. The evening commute and post-dusk hours were peak times, with the hours of 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. each recording 10 crashes. While 34 crashes occurred during daylight, a combined 18 crashes happened in dark conditions, either on unlighted or lighted roadways.

Of the 91 crashes in Keokuk County, the majority (70.3%, or 64 crashes) resulted in no injuries. Crashes involving some level of injury—possible, minor, or serious—accounted for 27.5% of the total (25 crashes). Two fatal crashes occurred, representing 2.2% of all incidents and resulting in two fatalities.

The most prevalent contributing factor in Keokuk County crashes was animals, which were cited in 37 incidents, accounting for 40.7% of all crashes. The second most common factor was losing control of the vehicle, noted in 10 crashes (11%). Other notable factors included driving too fast for conditions and running off the road, each contributing to 5 crashes.

A substantial number of crashes in Keokuk County occurred in what appeared to be clear conditions. Specifically, 36 crashes (39.6%) happened in clear weather and on dry road surfaces. Daylight was the lighting condition for 34 crashes. Conversely, snow was a factor in 10 crashes, and 18 crashes took place in dark conditions.

Among the 154 individuals involved in crashes, the 16-20 age group was the most represented, with 38 people. The most frequently involved vehicle makes were Ford, with 25 vehicles, followed by Chevrolet (including 'CHEV' and 'CHEVROLET') with 20 vehicles, and GMC with 11 vehicles. Dodge vehicles were involved in 12 crashes.

The leading major cause of crashes in Keokuk County was interaction with an animal, cited in 37 incidents. Losing control of the vehicle was the second-most common cause, with 10 incidents. Driving too fast for conditions and running off a straight road were each listed as the major cause for 5 crashes.

The most common first harmful event in Keokuk County crashes was a collision with an animal, which occurred in 37 incidents. The second most frequent event was a collision with another vehicle in traffic, recorded in 19 crashes. Run-off-road events were also notable, including 9 collisions with a ditch and 8 overturns or rollovers.

The majority of crashes in Keokuk County, 44 incidents, occurred at non-intersection locations. In contrast, 12 crashes took place at intersections, including 7 at four-way intersections and 3 at T-intersections. An additional 3 crashes occurred at driveway access points.

Passenger cars were the most common vehicle type involved in crashes, accounting for 41 vehicles. Light trucks and SUVs were also frequently involved, with 30 pickups and 24 sport utility vehicles recorded. Tractor/semi-trailers were involved in 6 crashes, and one motorcycle was involved in an incident.

A significant majority of crashes, 69 incidents, occurred on roadway segments where no traffic controls were present. In 13 cases, a stop sign was the active traffic control device. A marked no-passing zone was the relevant control in 2 incidents.

The front of the vehicle was the most common area of impact, recorded as the most damaged area on 24 vehicles. Side impacts were also frequent, with damage to the passenger side noted on 16 vehicles and the driver side on 8 vehicles. Rear damage was the primary point of impact for 7 vehicles.

Crash distribution within Keokuk County shows that Sigourney had the highest volume with 10 crashes. Hedrick followed with 6 crashes, and Delta had 3. The towns of What Cheer, Martinsburg, Keota, and South English each recorded one crash.

In Keokuk County, 80 crashes occurred on paved roads. A notable portion, 11 crashes or 12.1% of the total, took place on unpaved surfaces such as gravel or dirt roads, reflecting the area's rural road network.

Among roadway-related contributing factors, adverse surface conditions such as wet or icy roads were cited in 14 crashes. An additional crash was attributed to a slippery, loose, or worn surface. For the majority of crashes, no roadway factor was cited.

In cases where a driver's condition was noted as something other than 'apparently normal,' the most frequent issues were being asleep/fatigued or under the influence of alcohol, each recorded for 4 drivers. Illness or fainting was noted as a condition for 2 drivers involved in crashes.

The most common estimated property damage cost was in the '$1,500 - $7,500' range, which applied to 55 crashes. Twenty-six crashes resulted in damages between $7,500 and $25,000, while 5 crashes involved severe damages exceeding $25,000.

Single-vehicle incidents, categorized as 'Non-collision,' were the dominant crash type, accounting for 54 of the 91 total crashes (59.3%). The most common multi-vehicle crash type was a broadside collision, which occurred 12 times (13.2%). Rear-end collisions were recorded in 6 incidents.

The vast majority of vehicles involved in crashes, 68 in total, were moving straight ahead just prior to the incident. The next most frequent pre-crash action was turning left, which was recorded for 6 vehicles. All other documented actions, such as turning right or backing, were noted in three or fewer instances each.

Of the 154 people involved in crashes, the great majority, 144, were drivers of vehicles. Passengers accounted for 8 of the individuals involved. Additionally, 2 pedestrians were involved in crashes during this period.

Across all 154 individuals involved in crashes, 34 people sustained some level of injury or were killed. This includes 2 fatalities, 4 serious injuries, 15 minor injuries, and 13 possible injuries. The majority of people involved did not sustain a documented injury.

Based on available data for vehicle occupants, at least 6 individuals were not using any safety equipment at the time of their crash. In contrast, 19 occupants were recorded as having used both a shoulder and lap belt. Data on safety equipment use was not available for all participants.

Single-vehicle crashes were the most common type of incident in Keokuk County, with 67 such events recorded. Crashes involving two vehicles occurred 22 times. There were also 2 crashes that involved three vehicles.