160 CRASHES IN
IOWA, IA
2015

In 2015, motorists accounted for all fatalities and the vast majority of injuries. Two motorists were killed and 84 were injured in crashes. Vulnerable road users were also impacted, with 3 cyclists and 2 pedestrians sustaining injuries, although none were fatal.

Crash patterns in Kossuth County show a clear peak during the work week, with Thursday being the most frequent day for incidents, recording 37 crashes. The afternoon commute appears to be the most hazardous time, as the single busiest hour was 5 p.m., with 15 crashes. The vast majority of collisions, 120 out of 160, occurred during daylight hours.

Over half of the crashes, 87 out of 160 (54.4%), resulted in no injuries. The remaining incidents involved injuries of varying severity, including 8 serious injury crashes and 38 minor injury crashes. Two crashes were fatal, leading to a total of 2 fatalities for the year.

The leading contributing factor identified in crashes was drivers losing control, which was cited in 22 incidents (13.8%). Following too closely was the second most common factor, contributing to 14 crashes (8.8%), while driving too fast for conditions was a factor in 12 crashes (7.5%).

The majority of crashes in 2015 occurred under ideal driving conditions. Data shows that 120 crashes (75%) happened in daylight, 98 (61.3%) in clear weather, and 106 (66.3%) on dry road surfaces. Adverse conditions were less frequent, with rain cited in 12 crashes and snow in 11 crashes.

Among the 360 people involved in crashes, the 26-34 and 65+ age groups were the most represented, each with 56 individuals. An analysis of the 267 vehicles involved shows that Chevrolet (56), Ford (47), and Dodge (22) were the most frequent makes recorded in crash reports. Passenger cars were the most common vehicle type, accounting for 102 of the vehicles involved.

The most frequently cited major cause for crashes was a driver losing control, accounting for 22 incidents. Following too closely was the cause for 14 crashes, and driving too fast for conditions was listed for 12 crashes. Failure to yield from a stop sign contributed to another 10 collisions.

The most common first harmful event was a collision with another vehicle in traffic, which occurred in 81 of the 160 crashes. Run-off-road events were also significant, with the first harmful event being a collision with a ditch in 19 cases and an overturn or rollover in 12 cases. Collisions with animals were the first harmful event in 5 crashes.

Crashes were more likely to occur on non-intersection road segments, which accounted for 75 incidents. Four-way intersections were the most common junction type for crashes, with 38 incidents occurring at these locations. T-intersections were the site of another 14 crashes.

Passenger cars were the most common vehicle type involved in crashes, with 102 units recorded. Light trucks and SUVs were also frequently involved, with 64 four-tire light trucks and 38 sport utility vehicles documented. Tractor/semi-trailers were involved in 13 crashes, and motorcycles were involved in 10.

The majority of vehicles involved in crashes were in areas with no traffic controls present, accounting for 175 vehicles. For crashes at controlled locations, stop signs were the most common device, present for 44 vehicles, followed by traffic signals, which were present for 28 vehicles.

The front of the vehicle was the most frequent area of impact, recorded as the most damaged area for 77 vehicles. Front-passenger side corner impacts were also common, with 37 instances. Rear-end collisions were indicated by 26 vehicles having the rear as their most damaged area.

The distribution of crashes across municipalities in Kossuth County shows a high concentration in Algona, which recorded 105 of the 160 total crashes. Other towns such as Whittemore and Swea City each had 4 crashes, while Ledyard, Lone Rock, Titonka, Wesley, and Fenton each had 3 crashes.

The vast majority of crashes occurred on paved roadways, with 144 incidents. Unpaved gravel or dirt roads were the location for 14 crashes, accounting for 8.9% of the 158 crashes where the road surface type was specified.

Among the crashes where a roadway factor was identified, adverse surface conditions such as wet or icy roads were the leading contributor, cited in 21 incidents. Other factors were less common, with a slippery or loose surface noted in 2 cases and debris on the roadway in 1 case.

While most drivers were recorded as 'apparently normal,' other conditions were noted in a minority of cases. Six drivers were identified as being under the influence of alcohol, and 5 were noted as being asleep or fatigued. Medical conditions and drug influence were each cited for 2 drivers.

The most common estimated property damage cost was in the $1,500 to $7,500 range, which applied to 97 crashes. A smaller number of incidents resulted in more significant damage, with 42 crashes estimated between $7,500 and $25,000, and 8 crashes exceeding $25,000 in property damage.

Single-vehicle, non-collision events were the most common crash type, comprising 56 of the 160 total incidents (35%). Multi-vehicle crashes were most frequently rear-end collisions (36 crashes, or 22.5%) and broadside collisions (28 crashes, or 17.5%).

An analysis of vehicle actions prior to collision shows that the majority of vehicles, 162 in total, were moving straight ahead. The next most common actions involved turning, with 29 vehicles turning left, or being stationary, with 19 vehicles legally parked before the crash.

Of the 360 individuals involved in crashes, the overwhelming majority, 341 people, were drivers. Passengers accounted for 14 of the individuals, while vulnerable road users included 3 bicyclists and 2 pedestrians.

Among all 360 people involved in crashes, 2 sustained fatal injuries and 11 suffered serious injuries. A larger number experienced less severe outcomes, with 47 minor injuries and 31 possible injuries recorded. The data indicates that 89 individuals were injured in total.

Among participants for whom safety equipment use was documented, 47 were reported to have used a shoulder and lap belt. Notably, 8 individuals were recorded as having used no safety equipment at all. Three participants used a DOT-compliant helmet.

Two-vehicle collisions were the most frequent type of crash, with 97 incidents recorded. Single-vehicle crashes were the second most common, accounting for 57 incidents. Most other crashes involved three vehicles (4 incidents), with one crash involving four vehicles.