135 CRASHES IN
IOWA, IA
2015

In 2015, all 3 fatalities and 70 of the 71 injuries recorded in Monona County involved motorists. There were no reported fatalities or injuries among pedestrians or cyclists. One additional injury was recorded for a person classified as an 'other non-motorist'.

Crashes in Monona County peaked on Mondays, which saw 27 incidents in 2015. The most frequent time for crashes was the 1 p.m. hour, with 11 events, though morning and evening commute times also saw elevated numbers. While a majority of crashes (73) occurred during daylight hours, a notable 29 crashes took place on unlit roadways after dark.

Out of 135 total crashes, 86 incidents (63.7%) resulted in no injuries. The remaining crashes included 47 that caused injuries of varying severity and 2 that were fatal. These 2 fatal crashes resulted in a total of 3 deaths.

Severity is per crash event (most severe injury). 2 fatal crash events resulted in 3 persons killed.

The most frequently cited contributing factor in Monona County crashes was 'Animal,' accounting for 33 incidents, or 24.4% of the total. Following this, 'Lost Control' was noted in 16 crashes (11.9%), and 'Ran off road - straight' was a factor in 12 crashes (8.9%). Various forms of driver distraction and failure to yield the right-of-way were also cited in multiple incidents.

The majority of crashes occurred in ideal driving conditions, with 83 incidents (61.5%) happening in clear weather and 85 (63%) on dry road surfaces. Over half of the crashes (73) took place during daylight hours. However, adverse conditions were also present, including 11 crashes on snow-covered roads and 29 crashes on unlit roadways in the dark.

Analysis of persons involved in crashes shows the 45-54 age group was the most represented, with 64 individuals, followed by the 26-34 age group with 40 individuals. The most common vehicle makes involved were Chevrolet (45 vehicles), Ford (38 vehicles), and Dodge (19 vehicles). These figures represent the makes of vehicles in collisions and do not reflect local vehicle registration data.

The primary major cause attributed to crashes was contact with an animal, cited in 33 incidents. 'Lost Control' was the second most common cause, listed for 16 crashes, followed by 'Ran off road - straight' in 12 crashes. These three factors collectively account for more than 45% of all crashes with a determined cause.

The most frequent first harmful event was a collision with another vehicle in traffic, occurring in 42 crashes. The second most common event was a collision with an animal, which initiated 33 crashes. Run-off-road events were also prevalent, including 14 rollovers and 13 crashes where the first harmful event was striking a ditch.

A majority of crashes, 68 incidents or 50.4%, occurred at non-junction locations along a road segment. Intersections accounted for a smaller share, with 20 crashes at four-way intersections and 9 at T-intersections. Driveway-related incidents were noted in 10 crashes.

Passenger cars were the most common vehicle type involved in crashes, accounting for 74 of the vehicles. Light trucks and pickups were the second most frequent with 44 vehicles, followed by sport utility vehicles with 35. Ten tractor/semi-trailers and six motorcycles were also involved in crashes during this period.

For vehicles involved in crashes, the most common situation was the absence of traffic controls, noted for 145 vehicles. Where traffic controls were present, 12 vehicles were subject to stop signs and 11 were at traffic signals. A 'No Passing Zone' was the relevant traffic control for 6 vehicles.

The front of the vehicle was the most frequent area of most severe damage, recorded for 53 vehicles. An additional 29 vehicles sustained primary damage to a front corner. Rear impacts were the principal point of damage for 18 vehicles.

Crash distribution within Monona County shows the highest concentration in Onawa, with 33 incidents. Mapleton recorded the second-highest volume with 8 crashes, followed by Whiting with 4. Several other municipalities, including Soldier, Castana, and Ute, each reported 2 crashes.

The vast majority of crashes, 124 out of 135, occurred on paved roadways. A smaller portion, 11 crashes or 8.1% of the total, took place on unpaved surfaces such as gravel or dirt roads.

In a minority of crashes where a roadway factor was cited, 'Surface condition' such as wet or icy roads was the leading contributor, noted in 14 incidents. A 'Slippery, loose or worn surface' was a factor in 4 crashes. Additionally, 2 crashes were related to a work zone.

Among drivers for whom a condition other than 'apparently normal' was recorded, driving under the influence of alcohol was the most frequent, noted for 9 individuals. An additional 3 drivers were reported as asleep or fatigued. One driver was noted as being under the influence of drugs or medication.

The most common estimated property damage cost was in the $1,500 to $7,500 range, which applied to 95 crashes. A further 33 crashes resulted in damages estimated between $7,500 and $25,000. High-damage crashes, with costs exceeding $25,000, accounted for 7 incidents, or 5.2% of the total.

Single-vehicle, non-collision events were the dominant manner of collision, accounting for 68 crashes, or 50.4% of all incidents. Among multi-vehicle crashes, rear-end collisions were the most frequent type, with 18 occurrences (13.3%), followed by broadside collisions with 15 occurrences (11.1%).

The most common pre-crash action for vehicles involved was 'Movement essentially straight,' recorded for 136 vehicles. Turning maneuvers were the next most frequent actions, with 16 vehicles turning left and 7 turning right immediately prior to their respective crashes.

Of the 274 individuals involved in crashes, the vast majority, 253 people (92.3%), were drivers. Passengers accounted for 20 of the individuals involved (7.3%), and one person was classified as an 'other non-motorist'.

Among all persons for whom an injury status was recorded, 3 individuals sustained fatal injuries. A total of 71 people were injured, including 14 with serious injuries, 19 with minor injuries, and 38 with possible injuries. Two individuals were recorded as having no injuries.

Based on available data for safety equipment usage, 43 occupants were reported as using a shoulder and lap belt. A notable 12 individuals were recorded as using no safety equipment at all. The data also shows usage of various child safety seats for 5 occupants.

Single-vehicle crashes were the most common type of incident, accounting for 75 of the 135 total crashes (55.6%). Two-vehicle collisions were also frequent, with 58 incidents. There was one crash involving three vehicles and one crash involving four vehicles.