Interstate 80 tops list of deadliest highways in Iowa: New report

A new analysis of 61,935 fatal crashes during the summer months (June–August from 2020) by car insurance experts at iSelect has revealed that state highways, not interstates, see the highest number of deadly collisions during the summer months, accounting for 29% of all fatal crashes nationwide, according to a news release.

Looking specifically at Iowa, 594 fatal crashes have been recorded since 2020 in the months of June, July, and August. Major highways dominate the top of the list, with some of the state’s busiest routes seeing the highest number of fatal collisions:

With the summer months bringing increased travel across Iowa, the data shows that August records the highest number of fatal crashes, highlighting the increased risks of road travel during the latter part of the summer travel season:

While fatal crashes occur throughout the day, 5 p.m. records the highest number of fatal collisions in Iowa, with afternoon and evening hours accounting for many of the state’s deadliest crashes.

Expert commentary

Speaking on the data, Adrian Bennet, general manager – General Insurance at iSelect, said road safety isn’t defined by weather or road conditions alone; it ultimately depends on the behavior of drivers.

“Staying alert to your surroundings and anticipating potential hazards, whether that’s pedestrians, other vehicles, poor visibility or changing road surfaces, is essential,” Bennet said. “Following speed limits, taking regular breaks on long journeys, and keeping a safe distance from other vehicles can make all the difference in preventing collisions.

“Of course, many risks on the road are unpredictable and beyond a driver’s control. Comprehensive car insurance provides essential protection in the event of a collision, which is especially important for those traveling in higher-risk areas.”

You can explore the full annual study on the most dangerous places to drive and see how each state ranks here.

Methodology

This analysis of summer road safety uses data from the Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS), the federal government’s comprehensive database of fatal motor vehicle crashes. iSelect analyzed fatal crash data from June, July and August between 2020 and 2024, examining crashes by state, city, road and time of day to identify trends in summer road safety across the country.

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