Iowa is ranked average in motorist safety in the U.S. According to the 2021 IIHS report, the state was 18th among states with the lowest fatalities caused by car crashes. With the state’s extensive road network and 9,616 miles of roadway, Iowa has taken considerable steps to mitigate loss of life and protect road users.
One of the leading causes of road collisions in the state is distracted driving. Therefore, the state has imposed stringent laws that prevent the use of phones while driving. Additionally, unpredictable weather affects most drivers, resulting in slippery roads and poor visibility.
Some roads in Iowa are notorious for high rates of car crashes, resulting in fatalities. These roads include:
In case of a car accident in Iowa, drivers should follow these procedures to prevent further injury and property damage:
In the event of a crash, drivers should carefully move their vehicles to a safe lane or the side of the road. This should reduce the risk of multi-vehicle crashes.
Drivers should turn on their vehicle's hazard lights and utilize roadside flares, cones, or flags to alert drivers of potential danger ahead.
Iowa prohibits vehicle operators from leaving the scene after an accident.
It is crucial to check and see whether anyone was injured in the collision. If anyone is seriously injured, individuals should not move the patient but contact a medical emergency team for assistance.
Drivers must report any collision that causes injury, death, or property damage exceeding $1,500 within 72 hours.
Drivers engaged in an accident should record the names and contact information of any other people involved, including passengers, bystanders, and emergency services on the site.
Drivers should take photos of the collision. They might be used to determine the cause of the accident and as evidence in legal proceedings or insurance claims.
In Iowa, the law requires all parties involved in a traffic incident to exchange information. These contain names, addresses, insurance information, license numbers, and vehicle registrations. If the driver does not own the vehicle, they should provide the owner's name and address.
Drivers should obtain legal counsel to ensure their rights are not violated.
If a driver wishes to submit a compensation claim, they must tell their insurance carrier.
Drivers should retain any records connected to the crash in case they need documentation during a legal proceeding or for insurance purposes.
Iowa State has strict laws and regulations that ensure road safety for every individual. These laws include:
Impaired DrivingIn Iowa, driving with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of more than 0.08% is a DUI charge for drivers over the age of 21.
The state prohibits driving under the influence of any controlled substance or intoxicant.
Distracted Driving LawIowa prohibits using a handheld device in the car to write, read, send text, or browse the internet unless the car is at a complete stop. Even if the vehicle is stopped in traffic or at a stop sign or light, drivers shall not use any handheld device.
Drivers over 18 can call or use handheld devices for navigation.
Drivers under 18 are forbidden from using handheld or hands-free devices.
Drivers are also prohibited from eating or drinking while operating a vehicle.
Seatbelt LawIowa requires drivers and all front-seat passengers to wear seat belts whenever a vehicle is in motion.
The state requires any person under 18 to ride in the backseat of a car and be appropriately secured to their seat.
Iowa requires all children aged six years or younger to be secured in a booster or child safety seat.
Children under one or 20 pounds must be secured with seats facing the vehicle's rear.
Vehicle Insurance
LawsDrivers must ensure that their cars have a minimum liability insurance coverage. This protects drivers financially in the event of an accident that is caused during an accident.
Teenage Driving Laws
The state's legal driving age is 14 years. Before getting an instruction permit, minor drivers must complete a driving course and pass visual and writing tests.
The driver must always have a supervisor who is at least 21 years old and has a valid driver's license.
Drivers cannot use cell phones or other handheld devices while operating a vehicle.
For the first six months, drivers cannot carry more than one minor passenger without supervision. Additionally, the law prohibits drivers from carrying more passengers than the number of seat belts in the car without adult supervision.
Drivers with an intermediate license cannot operate a vehicle without adult supervision between 12:30 a.m. and 5:00 a.m.
To get a full license, minor drivers must complete 10 hours of supervised driving, with at least two hours of nighttime driving.
Lane Camping
On multi-lane highways across the state, the left lane is reserved solely for overtaking or passing other cars. Vehicles in the left lane should travel faster than those on the right.
MotorcyclistsMotorized bicycle operators are prohibited from carrying any passengers on highways.
The state prohibits riders from carrying passengers unless a motorcycle is designed to carry more than one passenger.
Riders of motorized bicycles or motorcycles are prohibited from lane splitting even if there is adequate space between two vehicles ahead.
Riders should have at least one of the motorcycle headlights on when riding the vehicle.
The state has no motorcycle helmet laws requiring riders to wear protection while on the road.
Move Over LawDrivers should slow down and move lanes when approaching a stationary police or emergency vehicle with warning lights flashing.
If cars cannot move over lanes, they should slow down and cautiously approach the vehicle.
Iowa shares most of the country's standard traffic laws with other states. However, it also has its unique regulations that other states might lack. These are some of these weird laws and regulations: