Think what life was like 100 years ago. Most of us living today won’t recall anything about 1925. Those were the days of great American prosperity known as “the roaring 20’s”, when Babe Ruth played for the New York Yankees, the 18th amendment to the United States Constitution outlawed transport and sales of alcoholic beverages across the nation, Calvin Coolidge was the first president to deliver his inaugural address over the radio, the ladies wore flappers, the guys wore zoot suits and fedoras. Jazz music played in the speakeasies, and Henry Ford’s Model T dominated the streets. Here in Iowa, life probably reflected somewhat of what was happening across the nation.

We look back on those days and imagine a much simpler time. Iowa’s population was 2.4 million and there were 666,592 registered vehicles on the road. By year’s end, 261 lost their lives in traffic crashes on Iowa roadways.

Fast-forward to 2025, Iowa’s population is 3.2 million and has 3.7 million registered vehicles. Since 1925, we have had some very deadly years on our roadways. Iowa peaked in the late 1960s and early 1970s with the deadliest year on record with 912 traffic deaths in 1970. Since then, we have seen a gradual reduction in fatalities, but not since 1925 have we been below 300.

As of Christmas this year, we will have around 255 deaths recorded. That’s roughly a 25 percent reduction compared to this time last year with 335. The Iowa State Patrol has had a goal to be below 300 for several years. This looks to be the year we finally did just that.

There are several factors that may have made an impact reducing this number, including consistent enforcement, safer vehicles, roadway improvements, and safety education to dissuade those from driving too fast, drinking and driving, and encouraging those on the road to always buckle up. Whatever the reason, I can safely speak on behalf of all law enforcement, we are very grateful to see this downward trend and hope it continues into 2026.

Technology has advanced so much in the last 100 years. One thing that has rapidly evolved is the telephone. What used to hang on a wall in 1925 and was run by a local operator is now something everyone has in their possession and can communicate with anyone, anytime, anywhere. We collectively are so used to having this type of technology at our fingertips, that we are automatically ingrained to look at that screen when we hear that ring sound, that we need to look to see what’s the latest message, social media post, or notification that pops up.

I still have my first cell phone from 1998, a Motorola flip phone. The only options were either the flip phone or the bag phone back then. While it won’t work on a digital network today, when it was in use, it came with a monthly plan of 30 minutes of talk. That’s it. No texting, no internet, no apps. Nowadays, we have phones that have the capability to talk, text, send photos on Instagram, share crazy videos on TikTok, and an app for everything else.

However, because today’s cell phone has captivated the attention of far too many drivers, it has been the contributing factor in thousands of car crashes nationwide. Texting and driving in Iowa has been illegal for several years, but it was difficult law to enforce. Last year, the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau conducted a poll at the Iowa State Fair asking fairgoers their thoughts on having an across-the-board law that would make any phone use illegal while driving:

• 49 percent admitted to always or sometimes driving with a cell phone in hand.

• 96 percent always or sometimes see others driving with a cell phone in hand.

• 91 percent of respondents say looking at/using a cell phone while driving is extremely dangerous.

• 81 percent say a hands-free law banning drivers from holding a cell phone would make Iowa roads safer.

• 83 percent support hands-free legislation.

It’s obvious that Iowans overwhelmingly support this type of legislation. It seems the most common traffic complaint troopers receive is drivers on their phones and driving too fast. So far in 2025, distracted driving crashes have contributed to 10 percent of fatalities and serious injuries. Back on July 1 of this year, Iowa’s “Hands Free” law went into effect, which prohibits any hand-held activity on cell phones or electronic communication devices while operating a motor vehicle. Anything beyond “one-touch” or a phone call via Bluetooth or the speaker function can get you pulled over.

We are currently in a grace period to educate the public on this new law. Officers are issuing warnings for any violations they observe. So far, there have been more than 9,500 warnings issued across the state since July 1. Effective Jan. 1st, citations will be issued, including a $170 fine and will be considered a moving violation.

While distracted driving can come in many forms, cell phones are the hybrid version of this type of behavior behind the wheel. It really boils down to keeping the phone down and your eyes on the road.

As we wrap up 2025, the Iowa State Patrol celebrates our 90th anniversary, and will continue to serve Iowans with our motto: Courtesy, Service, and Protection. Our New Year’s resolution will be to focus on enforcing this new law and continue making our highways safe. Make one of your New Year’s resolutions to drive safely and responsibly in 2026.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from the Iowa State Patrol!

Trooper Paul Gardner is the public resource officer for District 7 of the Iowa State Patrol.