This website is best viewed in a browser that supports web standards.

Skip to content or, if you would rather, Skip to navigation.

Listen Live
Donate
MARYVILLE

KXCV-KRNW


News Brief

Dec. 5, 2024Des Moines, Iowa |  By: Jeremy Werner

IA State Patrol releases Thanksgiving crash statistics

police lights

DES MOINES, Iowa - The Iowa State Patrol is reflecting on this year's Thanksgiving travel period, which saw three traffic fatalities statewide, down from four last year.

Troopers reported busy roadways last Wednesday and Sunday as Iowans traveled to and from holiday destinations. Troopers found roadways heavily congested at times, making it difficult to stop vehicles for traffic violations.

Despite the high traffic, there were 77 accidents statewide, including four in southwest Iowa.

Relatively calm weather may have contributed to keeping accidents and fatalities lower, though light snow in some areas served as a reminder of the need for winter driving skills.

During the holiday weekend, state troopers logged 13,000 miles, assisted 31 motorists, and made 648 total contacts, including 429 traffic stops.

So far this year, 313 traffic fatalities have been reported in Iowa, exceeding the patrol's goal of keeping deaths under 300. With the Christmas and New Year holidays ahead, troopers are urging drivers to prioritize safety.