The state of Iowa has missed their goal of fewer traffic fatalities this year. The Iowa Department of Public Safety set a goal to have under 300 deaths from traffic accidents throughout 2021.
In a statement from September 30th, the IDPS said if the state meets the goal, it would be the first time since 1925 that Iowa traffic fatalities were under 300.
The Iowa Department of Transportation reports the death toll sits at 318, as of November 23rd.
“That’s pretty alarming to us and we need people to understand and take some personal responsibility themselves. We need people to understand that those people who are being killed on our roadways are somebody’s family, friends and loved ones and possibly even your family, friends and loved ones,” said Sgt. Alex Dinkla, Public Information Officer with Iowa State Patrol.
Dinkla tells 6 News more officers will be on the roads during the holiday to help keep drivers safe and respond quickly in the case of an accident.
The state is on pace for roughly 350 fatalities on the year, up from 338 in 2020.