We live in a fast-paced world. We're all trying to get somewhere, and some Iowans are trying to get there a little faster than others. That might be part of the reason why Iowa is showing the rest of the country how it's down when it comes to crashes, but there is more to it.

What's Up with Iowa Roadways?

The Cedar Rapids Gazette says that a new report shows fatalities on Iowa roadways are down, which is great. Let's not discount that.  The issue that persists is those crashes are higher than the national average.

The Gazette goes on to say that contributing factors to these fatalities are speed, impaired driving, distracted driving, and lack of seatbelt use.

You Can Find Traffic Crashes Almost Anywhere in Eastern Iowa

Just a quick search on really any medium, and you'll find crashes in and around the Corridor.  They seem to be abundant.

January 19th, on the Cedar Rapids Eyes and Ears: Safety And Crime Watch Facebook page, Kylie reported a "flipped car on 380 south, by 32nd & glass road exit."

The 19th was a popular night. On the same Facebook page, Heather said, "wrong way driver about 15 minutes ago on Hwy 13, near Antioch church, driving South in the Northbound lanes. My daughter called it in, said the car was driving at least 70mph and cars were pulled over."

The aftermath of that wrong-way driver is here.  They were allegedly impaired.

Iowa State Patrol Facebook/Canva/TSM
Iowa State Patrol Facebook/Canva/TSM
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KCRG has multiple stories about crashes. Here are a couple, take your pick:

A crash stalls traffic on both sides of I-380 on January 22nd

One dead, one injured in a head-on crash on Highway 151 in Jones County, also January 22nd

The Cedar Rapids Gazette reports crashes too, and they don't seem to be lacking material:

One dead in head-on collision in Tama County

Wrong-way crash kills passenger near Marion

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What is Being Done to Lower Traffic Crashes in Iowa?

The Gazette says that state and local authorities are aware of these issues and have been implementing more safety measures, such as increased patrols and education about safe driving.

Will a Hands-Free Driving Bill Finally Make it to Law in Iowa?

Both hands on the wheel, that is, unless you're in Iowa?  Iowa's crash problems seem to indicate that maybe people need more hands on the wheel, not less.

KCRG reports that there's a new bill that senators just advanced through a subcommittee.  Senate File 22 would make it illegal to touch or hold electronic devices while driving.

Read More:  The Fastest Speeding Ticket Ever Issued in Iowa

Let's transition from crashes to more fun times.  Let's see what's new in the restaurant world in Eastern Iowa:

New Restaurants That Have Opened in Eastern Iowa in 2024

There are awesome new eateries to try here in the Corridor and beyond! Here are the restaurants that have opened in 2024:

Gallery Credit: Courtlin

Palisades-Kepler State Park December 30, 2024

Early Morning hours just after sunrise at Palisades-Kepler State Park, I saw a few friendly faces.

Gallery Credit: Sloppy Joe

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