Iowa traffic deaths on pace to stay below 300 for second year

MASON CITY, Iowa (KTTC) – In 2025, Iowa recorded fewer than 300 deadly crashes for the first time in a century—a data trend that may continue this year, according to Iowa State Patrol.

“As of [Tuesday] morning, we’ve had 227 fatality crashes in Iowa this year,” Iowa State Patrol Trooper Tom Williams said. “Last year we ended the year with 259 fatal crashes.”

The total number of crashes statewide this year is also on pace to finish below last year’s total. There have been 39,052 crashes statewide so far this year, according to the Iowa State Patrol. Last year, the total number was 52,720.

In Cerro Gordo County specifically, Williams said he is concerned about a rise in serious-injury crashes. He said, “Cerro Gordo County, although low in fatal crashes, they’ve had 16 serious-injury accidents.”

The causes of the crashes point to speeding, distracted driving, lack of seatbelt use and impaired driving, according to Williams. He said he has also noticed a new pattern.

“There have been several right of way violations: people either not stopping at stop signs, maybe crossing center or they’ve stopped but then they don’t yield from that stop sign,” Williams said.

In District 8, which covers the northern counties in the area, the Iowa State Patrol says there have been about 1,300 crashes so far this year. Last year, there were more than 1,800 total crashes in the district.

“Is it possible to be under 300 this year? Yeah, it is,” Williams said.

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