The motor vehicle fatality rate in 2009 dropped to a 60-year low in the state of Iowa, according to state officials.
"Because of the hard work and dedication of officers like those in Marshalltown, fewer people died on Iowa roadways this year," said Larry Sauer, chief of the Governor's Traffic Safety Bureau. "Iowans should be proud of their local law enforcement officers."
A total of 372 people died in 2009 on Iowa roadways. Though the county is preliminary, the number represents the lowest number of motor vehicle fatalities seen in Iowa since World War II when gas rationing was implemented to support the war effort.
The all-time highest number of motor vehicle fatalities on Iowa roadways was 912 in 1970. The lowest number of motor vehicle fatalities recorded in a single year was 261 in 1925.
Over the last year, local, county and state law enforcement worked together to increase enforcement on roadways. Some schedules were shifted to include more night and weekend work.
"Shifting schedules and working odd hours is often difficult for our officers, but we have to work when the high-risk drivers are on the road," said Jack McAllister, Marshalltown police chief. "The hard work paid off. Working the enforcement projects helped keep this community safe and saved lives on our roadways."
More officers on the job at night means there is a greater chance of spotting drunk drivers and getting them off the road before they can cause a major problem, he said.
Other factors may have also played a role in the lower number of vehicle accidents, McAllister said.
"You are starting to see seat belt usage greater than 90 percent, which always helps to reduce injuries in an accident," he said. "Cars today are also built to sustain damage and protect the occupants inside."
The inclusion of more models with front and side airbags is helpful as well, McAllister said.
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Contact Ken Black at 641-753-6611 or kblack@timesrepublican.com