Message Monday - To be fair, no blue ribbon for driving impaired

August 12, 2019

This time of year, hordes of people are flocking to Des Moines for the Iowa State Fair. There’s lots to see and do, including all kinds of competitions. Judges choose winners from everything from photography to all types of livestock.

Many of us go to the fair each year to find fun new foods and beverages. If those drinks include alcohol, don’t risk appearing before a different type of judge. Plan for a sober ride home.

Message Monday - Safe driving is the best route to victory lane

August 5, 2019

Life goes by so quickly that it can seem like a series of races, always hurrying to get one thing done just so you can move on to the next.

When you are in your car, that pressure to get moving on to the next thing can cause you to disregard some common sense safety tips. Following these tips not only allow you to get where you’re going but help all the other drivers arrive alive, too.

Message Monday - Feel the heat? Make it a habit to check baby seat

July 29, 2019

It may seem difficult to believe, but an average of 38 kids die every year in the United States due to heatstroke from being left in hot cars. Last year was an especially dangerous year, as 52 children perished in this way. Already this year 21 kids have died according to https://www.kidsandcars.org/how-kids-get-hurt/heat-stroke/

Heatstroke in children can happen quickly, as their bodies are smaller and weigh less, and are more prone to the effects of extreme temperatures. It doesn’t need to be a hot day. When the temperature outside is as low as 60 degrees, the temperature inside a vehicle can reach 110 degrees. If a child’s body temperature reaches 107 degrees, the child will die.

Message Monday - Buckle up - every seat, every time

July 22, 2019

Whether you’re loading the family up for a vacation or picking up friends for a dinner date, do you make sure everyone is securely buckled?

With some exceptions, Iowa law requires all children under age 18 to be in an appropriate car seat, booster, or seat belt, no matter where they are seated in the vehicle. Unfortunately, adults over the age of 18 are only required to buckle in the front seat.

Even though it’s not mandatory in Iowa law, having every person in your vehicle securely buckled up can reduce serious injuries and save lives in a crash. In Iowa, data from the last 10 years show that unbuckled, adult passengers in the back seat are three times as likely to be killed in a crash compared to those who are belted.

Message Monday - leave safe gaps to avoid mishaps

July 15, 2019

You’re in traffic. It’s hot. You’re tired, and the kids just asked, “are we there yet?” for the 114^th time. You just want to get where you’re going, but now the car in front of you isn’t going as fast as you’d like. What do you do?

For many of us, the impulse might be to close the gap between you and the car ahead to signal your frustration. But tailgating and other aggressive driving behaviors can be dangerous or even deadly. And the aggressive behavior may spread to other drivers.

Message Monday- That's the temperature, not the speed limit

July 8, 2019

Don’t be a hothead this summer. When the mercury rises, tempers can get a little short, increasing the perceived need to get where you need to go more quickly than the speed limit would allow.