Latest news with #AlexDinkla
Miami Herald
07-07-2025
- Automotive
- Miami Herald
Multiple States Dial-up Crackdown on Cell Phone Use While Driving
Most states have strict laws in place to prevent distracted driving through cell phone use, and Iowa and Louisiana are the latest to join this effort. Since July 1, Iowa drivers have been prohibited from using a phone while driving, except for hands-free operation. Louisiana's new distracted driving law imposes the same rules, but takes effect on August 1. Sgt. Alex Dinkla, public information officer for the Iowa State Patrol, explained that drivers don't need to buy a new smartphone to comply with the state's new law via platforms like Apple CarPlay. Instead, he recommended Bluetooth, auxiliary cables, and phone mounts as ways that more drivers can comply with the latest enforcement, IPR reports. Iowa police will issue warnings for the first months of enforcement so motorists can adjust their habits. However, starting January 1, the state's police can give $100 citations. Iowa's new law outlines exceptions for emergencies and certain employees, including those in public safety and public transit. According to the Iowa Department of Transportation, over 900 crashes occurred last year due to drivers being distracted by their phones or other electronic devices. Louisiana's new law also provides exceptions for emergencies and certain employees in addition to calls for reporting traffic collisions. Officials in Louisiana passed the law as part of the state's effort to lower high auto insurance costs, as fewer distracted drivers naturally pose less risk for insurers. Louisiana lawmakers made efforts before this year's legislative session to ban cell phone use while driving except for hands-free operation, but progress stalled over concerns that police would use the rule as an excuse to perform traffic stops and vehicle searches. The law eventually passed when Louisiana legislators added a provision preventing police from conducting searches or making arrests based solely on a cell phone use violation, according to the Louisiana Illuminator. Drivers who violate Louisiana's new distracted driving law face a fine of up to $100, but this amount increases to a $250 maximum citation if the offense occurs in a school or construction zone. On June 5, Pennsylvania also started enforcing a ban on handheld use of a cell phone, tablet, or any other electronic device while driving, including at a red light. Iowa's law allows for handheld cell phone usage if a car is stationary, but the vehicle must be off a traveled portion of the road. Conversely, Louisiana's new legislation appears to permit handheld cell phone use if a car is stationary at a stoplight. Pennsylvania's Department of Transportation reported 9,950 crashes caused by distracted driving last year, which resulted in more than 6,000 injuries and 49 fatalities, according to Pennsylvania Capital-Star. The warning period for Pennsylvania's enforcement extends further than Iowa or Louisiana, with fines of up to $50 starting in June 2026. Currently, 31 states, along with the District of Columbia, outlaw handheld cellphone use while driving. While Louisiana, Iowa, and Pennsylvania's new bans aim to increase road safety, Louisiana stands out with its desire to also use the legislation as a way to reduce car insurance costs. rates Louisiana as the most expensive U.S. state for auto insurance, with an annual cost of $2,883 for a full coverage policy. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Yahoo
11-06-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Increase in ATV/UTV popularity brings more crashes on roads
DES MOINES, Iowa — More Iowans are buying UTVs and ATVs, but that also means, unfortunately, there are more crashes and deaths happening too. Back in 2022, an Iowa law passed that allows ATVs and UTVs on two-lane or county highways. The thing is, you are only allowed to go 35 miles an hour in them. Since that law was passed, these vehicles are rapidly growing in popularity in Iowa. The DNR says there were about 39,000 UTVs registered in 2022. In 2024, there were 57,000 registered. A University of Iowa study found that the state is averaging more than 200 ATV and UTV crashes every year. There were 20 deaths on the road in Iowa last year. 'One of the things that we typically see as people riding these in excess of 35 miles an hour. A lot of these vehicles are not street acclimated. They are more of an off-road type vehicle. So that's why we need to go at the reduced speeds as they are not outfitted with the proper tires and different things to do those higher speeds on the roadway and pavement,' Sgt. Alex Dinkla with Iowa State Patrol said. 'But one of the things we really see is people driving way too fast and approaching these intersections at improper speeds. And then the motoring public is not aware that these vehicles are driving that fast and they kind of blend in similar to a motorcycle at these intersections.' 1 critically injured in Madison County jobsite accident So far in 2025, there have been three deaths on the road from ATVs and UTVs. 'Some of the typical crashes that we've been seeing are these vehicles meeting head on. A lot of these ATVs seem to be riding in the middle of the roadway. They're getting hit head-on by another car. Intersections. These vehicles are easily put into a blind spot from an actual car or a pickup truck,' Dinkla said. 'So there's two messages there. One is to the person driving the motor vehicle. Make sure to check those intersections, two, three different times before you proceed into an intersection,' he added. 'But also with an ATV or UTV to make sure that you're driving with a due regard of what are the other folks going to do. Kind of similar to a motorcycle. What is that car going to do? Because you got to remember your vehicle versus a full-sized truck or a car. It's not going to fare very well in a crash.' So what is required to drive an ATV or UTV on the road in Iowa? You must have it registered with the DNR with the sticker displayed. You have to be 18 with your valid license, plus have insurance, functioning equipment and a visible slow-moving vehicle sign. Officials also stress the importance of driving sober, just like a normal car. Being in an ATV or UTV is even more vulnerable than a car. They also urge people to wear a helmet and a safety harness. You can find more info at Iowa News: Hot, muggy Wednesday and storm chances Iowa HHS reports second case of measles in state this year Increase in ATV/UTV popularity brings more crashes on roads Dozens of dogs rescued from 'neglectful conditions' at eastern Iowa breeder nearly 2 years after first rescue Satanic Temple accuses Iowa officials of religious discrimination Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
30-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Iowa roads see decrease in fatal crashes at the start of ‘100 deadliest days of summer'
An Iowa State Patrol squad car parked at the State Capitol. (Photo by Kathie Obradovich/Iowa Capital Dispatch) Memorial Day 2025 kicked off what the Iowa State Patrol calls the '100 deadliest days of summer,' a period of time marked by an increase in teen driver crashes and fatalities. This time of year, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, is when many younger drivers are hitting the roads for the first time and others may be indulging in the holiday season. Law enforcement agencies, including the Iowa State Patrol, increased their presence on the roadways over the holiday weekend and noticed a continued pattern of decreasing fatal crashes over the past three years. 'Our focus is to make the roadways a safe and enjoyable experience,' said Sgt. Alex Dinkla, public information officer for Iowa State Patrol. 'This is one of those periods where that extra enforcement, we know, did pay off.' The state patrol arrested 21 individuals for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated and covered over 47 crashes across the state. The Iowa Department of Transportation reported two fatal accidents in the days leading up to Memorial Day. Buckle that seatbelt, put the phone down and always remember, if you're gonna go out and have some alcohol, to get that sober driver. – Sgt. Alex Dinkla, public information officer for Iowa State Patrol Many of the crashes occurred at intersections around the state. Dinkla noted that drivers often forget the blind spot on both sides of their car, between their windshield and door window. These blind spots can obscure entire vehicles from the driver's view. Dinkla recommends drivers check two or three times before crossing an intersection to ensure they spot any threats. In 2023, the DOT reported four fatal crashes in the days before the holiday, one of which was attributed to alcohol. In 2024, there were three fatal crashes. This year, the number dropped to two. Dinkla said that while the patrol doesn't 'want to call that a success because that's still two fatalities,' it's evident the extra presence and effort to educate the public is making a difference. Going forward, Dinkla said, the ISP plans to utilize their Air Wing Unit, a unit of five pilots and aircrafts primarily used for traffic enforcement, more during other holidays and times of peak travel. Founded in 1956, the unit currently consists of three Cessna 182 aircraft, one Cessna 206 and one SR-22 CIRUSS. Two of the aircraft have thermal imaging equipment to aid in missing-person cases, fugitive location and specialized surveillance. 'None of us know when we may or may not be involved in a fatal crash,' he said. 'Buckle that seatbelt, put the phone down and always remember, if you're gonna go out and have some alcohol, to get that sober driver.'
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Yahoo
Man hospitalized after pursuit, crash involving Iowa State Patrol trooper
DES MOINES, Iowa — A late-night crash in Mahaska County Tuesday was the result of a pursuit involving the Oskaloosa Police Department and the Iowa State Patrol. A crash report from the Iowa State Patrol said it happened about 11:43 p.m. at Highway 92 and Dean Avenue. That's about seven miles west of Oskaloosa. Indianola daycare provider charged with murder in 4-month-old's death Sgt. Alex Dinkla, spokesperson for the Iowa State Patrol, said the Oskaloosa Police Department initiated the pursuit because the driver was suspected of being impaired. The OPD, assisted by the Iowa State Patrol, was pursuing a Chevy S-10 pickup driven by Laverne Brackett, 52, of Indianola, when the crash happened. The report said the truck was traveling westbound on Highway 92 when Brackett lost control near Dean Avenue, and the truck came to face eastbound in the westbound lane where it was struck by an Iowa State Patrol vehicle. Brackett was transported by air ambulance to Mercy Hospital in Des Moines. His current condition is unknown. Man hospitalized after pursuit, crash involving Iowa State Patrol trooper Indianola daycare provider charged with murder in 4-month-old's death New high school program helps Indianola students with disabilities join the workforce Transparency concerns on the mind at Madison County Board of Supervisors meeting 'Before They Were Soldiers' profiles Iowans who did not return from Vietnam Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
So your car is in the ditch; what now?
DES MOINES, Iowa — On Thursday the Iowa State Patrol lifted it's tow ban allowing tow trucks to retrieve cars that got stuck in ditches during Wednesday's winter storm. Tow trucking companies recommend that the first thing a driver does when their car ends up in a ditch is call the police. Sergeant Alex Dinkla with the Iowa State Patrol said the Iowa State Patrol will assist drivers who get stuck during winter storms. 'We will definitely send first responders out there, pick you up, take you to a safe location, whether that be a gas station or a hotel. But we want to get somebody nearby. We want to get you out of, out of harm's way,' Sergeant Dinkla said. After assistance from the Iowa State Patrol it is a driver's responsibility to have a tow truck retrieve their car. Andy Deboard, the President of Perry's Service and Towing, said tow companies are able to take driver's cars wherever is needed after they end up in a ditch. Iowa to see 3 more rounds of snow this week into next 'Some people just want to take them back to their house so they can actually see how bad it is. Some want it taken straight to their preferred body shop. Sometimes insurance companies will have body shops that they prefer to work with and your insurance company may advise you. You have the best shops to take it to, but we can really take it anywhere you want your car taken to,' Deboard said. Carlos Palacios, the Officer Manager at Budget Insurance, said after drivers call 911 and have their car towed it's important to contact insurance to start the claims process. 'After you've called the police and you know you're not on the side of the road anymore, that's when you want to call your insurance. Figure out first what coverage you have and how you can get a claim turned in,' Palacios said. Once drivers start a claim process they can find an autobody shop to provide repairs. Joey Tessman, the Owner of Joey's Auto Shop, said that drivers should look for experienced mechanics to work on their cars. 'You want to make sure that the shop understands what your problem is and that they're the best one to fix it for you. You know, having the right technicians trained, you know, will help the process along. Make sure that you get the repair done properly the first time,' Tessman said. The best way to avoid needing a tow truck is to stay off the roads during a winter storm. Iowa News: So your car is in the ditch; what now? New EV charging stations in Iowa halted, drivers face limited options Iowa House Republicans pass 2.25% funding increase for schools; Democrats warn of staff, tax implications Iowan eats 99 tenderloins across the state, reveals his favorite Bird flu detected in another Iowa turkey flock; disaster proclamation granted Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
