Any decrease in traffic fatalities is good, but the state still saw over 300 deaths on the state's highways in 2017.

According to statistics, 329 people died on Iowa roadways in 2017. That is down from 2016 when 398 people lost their lives. The decrease comes after several years of increases in traffic fatalities.

Why the reversal this past year? The Iowa State Patrol says one reason may be the enforcement of the texting and driving law. That law, which went into effect July 1st, allows officers to issue a ticket if they see someone texting while driving. Officials also say the lack of snowfall until late in 2017 also helped motorists avoid slippery and dangerous roadways.

 

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