So far in 2023, Iowa’s daily traffic fatality count is 20% higher than the five-year average. As a result, the state is joining 10 others in a speed awareness campaign.

Wednesday, July 26 is recognized as Statewide Speed Awareness Day. Law enforcement is teaming up with the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau, and will be on heightened alert for speeding vehicles and motorcycles. They remind motorists that speeding is a selfish choice with deadly consequences for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians. From 2020-2021, Iowa experienced a 25% increase in speeding-related fatalities, accounting for almost one-quarter of total crash fatalities.

Henry County Sheriff, Rich McNamee, has recognized speeding as a problem, specifically on Highway 218 near Mt. Pleasant. “Highway 218 in the south end of Henry County has been labeled by the State and Federal Government as a dangerous piece of roadway. The crash ratings south of Mt. Pleasant into Lee County have reached a higher level. So [to] our motoring public, we just want to remind them to obey the laws. Speed is still the number one cause of accidents or crashes in the United States. So we’re gonna do some extra enforcement in the south end of our county along Highway 218 and try and thwart some of those problems that we got down there.”

The Statewide Speed Awareness Day coincides with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s Speeding Slows You Down campaign, which runs through July.