(Des Moines)– Iowa is seeing an increase in traffic-related deaths. This year, there have been about 358 deaths, nearly 13 percent more than in the last five years.
Sergeant Alex Dinkla, an information officer with the Iowa State Patrol, says about 60 percent of deaths came from people failing to put their seatbelts on.
Dinkla adds distractions are a major cause as people are still using their cell phones while driving. He reminds Iowans to be responsible behind the wheel to ensure the safety of others and themselves.
