9,961 CRASHES IN
IOWA, IA
2015

In 2015, motorists accounted for the highest number of fatalities and injuries, with 15 killed and 3,394 injured. Pedestrians were the next most impacted group, with 4 fatalities and 110 injuries. Cyclists experienced 1 fatality and 67 injuries during the same period.

Crashes in Polk County, IA in 2015 peaked on Fridays, with 1,717 incidents reported. The highest number of crashes by hour occurred at 5 PM, totaling 985 incidents. Early morning hours, specifically 4 AM, recorded the lowest number of crashes at 68.

Out of 9,961 crashes in 2015, 19 were fatal incidents, while 3,158 crashes involved some level of injury (serious, minor, or possible). A significant majority, 6,784 crashes (68.1%), resulted in no reported injuries. Overall, 20 persons were killed and 3,575 persons were injured across all crashes.

Severity is per crash event (most severe injury). 19 fatal crash events resulted in 20 persons killed.

The leading contributing factor to crashes in 2015 was 'Followed too close', involved in 1,739 incidents (17.5%). Other significant factors included 'FTYROW: Making left turn' with 688 incidents (6.9%) and 'Other (explain in narrative): Other' with 675 incidents (6.8%). 'Driving too fast for conditions' and 'Ran Traffic Signal' each contributed to 589 crashes (5.9%).

A majority of crashes in 2015 occurred under favorable conditions, with 57.8% happening in clear weather, 71.6% on dry road surfaces, and 70.6% during daylight hours. Conversely, 1,006 crashes occurred in rain, 387 in snow, and 70 in freezing rain/drizzle. Wet road surfaces were reported in 1,619 crashes, and dark conditions (roadway lighted or not) were present in 2,309 crashes.

Among vehicles involved in crashes, Ford was the most frequently reported make with 2,924 vehicles, followed by Chevrolet with a combined 3,549 vehicles (CHEV and CHEVROLET). Toyota vehicles (TOYT and TOYOTA) were involved in 1,674 incidents, and Dodge vehicles (DODG and DODGE) in 1,392 incidents. The age groups most represented among persons involved in crashes were 26-34 years old (4,272 persons) and 35-44 years old (3,697 persons).

The primary contributing factors to crashes in Polk County in 2015 were 'Followed too close' (1,739 incidents), 'FTYROW: Making left turn' (688 incidents), and 'Other (explain in narrative): Other' (675 incidents). Additionally, 'Driving too fast for conditions' and 'Ran Traffic Signal' each contributed to 589 crashes. These top five factors highlight common driver behaviors preceding crashes.

The most common first harmful event in crashes was a 'Collision with: Vehicle in traffic', accounting for 7,649 incidents. Collisions with fixed objects totaled 1,017 incidents, with utility poles/light supports being the most frequent at 220. Collisions with animals were also noted in 275 incidents.

A majority of crashes, 5,252 incidents (52.7%), occurred at non-intersection locations, primarily described as 'Non-junction/no special feature' (4,559 incidents). Intersections accounted for 4,130 crashes (41.5%), with 'Four-way intersection' being the most common type at 3,064 incidents.

Passenger cars were the most common vehicle type involved in crashes, totaling 9,962 vehicles (51.3% of all vehicles). Sport utility vehicles (SUVs) accounted for 4,446 vehicles (22.9%), followed by four-tire light trucks (pick-up/panel) with 2,371 vehicles (12.2%). Tractor/semi-trailers were involved in 285 incidents, and motorcycles in 146 incidents.

Among vehicles involved in crashes, 10,288 (54.1%) were in areas with 'No controls present'. Traffic signals were the most common control device where crashes occurred, affecting 6,802 vehicles (35.8%). Stop signs were present for 1,560 vehicles involved in crashes.

The front of vehicles was the most common area of damage, reported in 5,765 incidents. Rear damage occurred in 3,513 incidents, indicating a significant number of rear-end collisions. Side impacts, combining driver and passenger side damage, accounted for approximately 3,603 incidents.

A total of 291 crashes in Polk County in 2015 were attributed to driving under the influence, representing 2.9% of all crashes. Among the persons for whom impairment was recorded, 251 were under the influence of alcohol, 19 were under the influence of drugs, and 9 were under the influence of both alcohol and drugs.

In Polk County, Des Moines recorded the highest number of crashes with 5,469 incidents. Ankeny and West Des Moines followed with 951 and 902 crashes, respectively. Urbandale reported 658 crashes, while Clive had 308 crashes.

The vast majority of crashes in Polk County occurred on paved roadways, totaling 9,917 incidents. Only 31 crashes, or 0.31% of the total, were reported on unpaved surfaces.

Roadway surface conditions, such as wet or icy surfaces, were cited as a contributing factor in 983 crashes. Work zones were a factor in 88 crashes, while slippery, loose, or worn surfaces contributed to 42 incidents. These factors were noted in a minority of overall crashes.

Among drivers with conditions other than 'apparently normal', 359 were recorded as 'under the influence of alcohol'. 'Emotional (e.g. depressed, angry)' was noted for 76 drivers, and 64 drivers were 'asleep/fatigued'. Medical conditions accounted for 43 drivers.

The most common property damage cost range was between $1,500 and $7,500, encompassing 7,380 crashes (74.1%). Crashes with property damage exceeding $25,000 accounted for 115 incidents, representing 1.15% of all crashes.

Rear-end collisions were the most frequent manner of collision, accounting for 3,626 incidents or 36.4% of all crashes. Broadside collisions (front to side) were the second most common at 1,840 incidents (18.5%). Single-vehicle non-collision events comprised 1,582 incidents (15.9%).

The dominant pre-crash action for drivers was 'Movement essentially straight', observed in 10,660 instances (56.1%). 'Turning left' was the next most frequent action, occurring 1,973 times (10.4%). 'Slowing/stopping (deceleration)' was reported in 1,706 instances (9.0%).

The most common action for pedestrians involved in crashes was 'Entering or crossing roadway', accounting for 117 instances. Other reported actions included 'Other' with 18 instances and 'Movement: On sidewalk' with 16 instances.

Drivers constituted the overwhelming majority of persons involved in crashes, totaling 22,603 individuals (95.9%). Passengers accounted for 774 individuals (3.3%), while pedestrians made up 114 individuals (0.5%). Bicyclists represented 68 individuals (0.3%) involved in crashes.

Among persons for whom injury severity was recorded, 20 (0.48%) sustained fatal injuries and 3,575 (86.0%) sustained some level of injury (serious, minor, or possible). The remaining 563 individuals (13.5%) sustained no apparent injury.

For occupants with recorded safety equipment use, 'Shoulder and lap belt used' was reported for 2,369 individuals. 'None used' was indicated for 142 individuals, representing 5.35% of those with recorded safety equipment information. Child safety seats were used by 38 individuals.

The majority of crashes, 7,400 incidents (74.3%), involved two vehicles. Single-vehicle crashes accounted for 1,623 incidents (16.3%). Multi-vehicle crashes involving three or more vehicles totaled 938 incidents, with 22 crashes involving five or more vehicles.