Data Shows 170 Motor Vehicle Deaths in Iowa 2016, So Far

New data from the Iowa Department of Transportation shows 42 more people have died on Iowa roads in 2016 than at the same time last year.

The Des Moines Register reports seven people were killed in traffic accidents over the weekend, bringing the total number of motor vehicle deaths to 170 people. That’s 30 more than the five-year average of 140.

The worst month of the year so far has been May, which had 39 deaths.

State officials say a mix of high speeds and impaired or distracted driving have contributed to the higher number. The data shows victims weren’t wearing seatbelts in about half of the deaths.

The department’s driver data manager says he has noted more single-vehicle accidents in which the vehicle left the roadway before crashing.