A little known fact about Father’s Day

June 15, 2016

When you ask most people what is significant about this coming Sunday, June 19; the common response is likely “It’s Father’s Day”. While that is true, most people would be surprised to know that it is also the deadliest holiday on Iowa’s roadways over the past 10 years.

If you were to ask people what they think would be the deadliest holiday, they often mention July 4th, Labor Day, or Thanksgiving. We associate those major holidays with a lot of vehicle traffic and traveling; however, according to crash statistics from the Iowa Department of Transportation over the past decade, the top four deadliest holidays are in order: 1) Father’s Day, 2) Veterans Day, 3) Christmas Eve, and 4) Halloween. While we are not exactly sure exactly why these holidays are so deadly on our roadways, it is an important reminder to focus on safe driving while we are on the road.

We need to focus on reducing dangerous driving behaviors that are all too often associated with crashes resulting in injury or death. Those dangerous behaviors include speeding, driving impaired by drugs or alcohol, distracted driving, and not wearing seat belts or using child safety seats.

Currently in Iowa, almost half of the people killed in crashes are not wearing their seat belt. We are also seeing an increasing number of deaths contributed to impaired drivers.

Law enforcement in Marshall County will continue education and enforcement activities to help reduce the number of crashes resulting in injury and death. When looking at statistical averages in Iowa, nearly one person dies each day on our roads. “While that may not seem like a lot to some; we can all agree it is too many if that is one person from your family.” Said Sgt. Ben Veren. Remember to practice safe driving behaviors this Father’s Day and every other day. “We don’t want anyone to lose a loved one in a crash on this day designed to celebrate with family.”

About Marshall County Sheriff's Office
The Marshall County, Iowa Sheriff's Office is led by Sheriff Ted G. Kamatchus. Sheriff Kamatchus is committed to keeping communities and neighborhoods safe in Marshall County.

For additional information or a sample copy, contact:
Sgt. Ben Veren
Marshall County Sheriff's Office
641-754-6380
Fax 641-754-6325
Sheriff@co.marshall.ia.us
www.marshallcountysheriff.com

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