Iowa’s traffic fatalities are trending lower than the last five years. According to the Iowa Department of Transportation, as of August 12th there have been 173 traffic fatalities in the state in 2020, almost 7% lower than last year. At the same date in 2019 there were 186 deaths and at the same date in 2016 there were 236 traffic deaths.

While overall the total has been trending lower, July had the highest fatality count in the last five years. Last month there were 44 traffic deaths compared to 32 in 2019, 32 in 2018, 33 in 2017, 38 in 2016, and 33 in 2015.

Iowans are reminded to wear their seat belts, click it or ticket.