Advocates has written to the Iowa House Transportation Subcommittee in support of advancing House File (HF) 2179 to enhance the current seat belt law by including rear seat passengers. This safety upgrade is critical and timely.
In 2024, an estimated 358 people were killed in traffic crashes in Iowa a 12 percent increase since 2015. In addition, Iowa incurs approximately $2.8 billion in economic harm annually due to motor vehicle crashes, which is equivalent to a “crash tax” of $885 per resident each year according to a 2019 analysis. When updated for inflation alone, in 2025, costs would equate to approximately $3.5 billion.
In 2023, approximately half of passenger vehicle occupants who died in Iowa were not wearing a seat belt, when restraint use was known.
It is essential that a seat belt law covers all passengers to improve seat belt use and safety.
Read the full letter here.