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Axios Des Moines

Traffic fatalities have steadily risen in Iowa since 2020 and preliminary estimates from the first quarter of 2022 show they're not slowing down.

Driving the news: Around 69 Iowans died in car accidents during the first quarter of this year, a roughly 44% jump compared to 48 in 2021, according to a new report by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The nationwide increase for the same period was 7%, reaching an estimated 9,560 deaths — the highest number of first-quarter fatalities in 20 years, NHTSA said in its report.

Nebraska is the only neighboring state that saw a higher percent increase, going from 45 fatalities in 2021 to 70 this year.

Why it matters: The new data suggests U.S. roads are becoming more deadly and that the country is on pace to have yet another annual rise in traffic fatalities.

Iowa had the 11th highest increase in the nation in the early NHTSA estimates, released last month.

What's happening: Traffic fatalities began growing nationwide during the pandemic even though fewer people were driving and overall traffic accidents dropped, Axios' Joann Muller reported.

The people who were on the road tended to be disproportionately male and younger (39 and under) and also engaged in risky driving behavior, an AAA study found.

Half of the people who drove more during the pandemic said they were speeding on residential roads and texting, while nearly half reported running red lights and changing lanes aggressively.

They were also more likely to not be wearing a seat belt or to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Zoom in: Iowa's 2022 crash rates are averaging seven fatalities higher in comparison to the state's five-year average, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation.

356 people died in Iowa accidents last year — a five-year high, according to the DOT. So far in 2022, 235 people have died.

A disproportionate amount of drivers are dying without a seat belt on (47%) and are in rural areas.

What they're saying: Iowans have been driving at "egregious speeds," since 2020, said Sgt. Alex Dinkla, spokesperson for Iowa State Patrol. 

State troopers are pulling over people every day who are driving 100mph+ speeds on the roads, he said.

Iowans are driving at "egregious speeds" as traffic fatalities increase

Traffic fatalities have steadily risen in Iowa since 2020.

Illustration of a stop sign with a memorial wreath. 

Traffic

Traffic fatalities have steadily risen in Iowa since 2020 and preliminary estimates from the first quarter of 2022 show they&#x27;re not slowing down.Driving the news: Around 69 Iowans died in car accidents during the first quarter of this year, a roughly 44% jump compared to 48 in 2021, according to a new report by the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="U.S. Department of Transportation" data-vars-click-url="https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/813337" data-vars-content-id="20e7a5a9-1ece-4f35-8830-0cc6bc3dd077" data-vars-headline="Iowans are driving at &quot;egregious speeds&quot; as traffic fatalities increase" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://crashstats.nhtsa.dot.gov/Api/Public/ViewPublication/813337" target="_blank">U.S. Department of Transportation</a>.<ul><li>The nationwide increase for the same period was 7%, reaching an estimated 9,560 deaths — the highest number of first-quarter fatalities in 20 years, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="NHTSA said in its report" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/early-estimates-first-quarter-2022" data-vars-content-id="20e7a5a9-1ece-4f35-8830-0cc6bc3dd077" data-vars-headline="Iowans are driving at &quot;egregious speeds&quot; as traffic fatalities increase" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nhtsa.gov/press-releases/early-estimates-first-quarter-2022" target="_blank">NHTSA said in its report</a>.</li><li>Nebraska is the only neighboring state that saw a higher percent increase, going from 45 fatalities in 2021 to 70 this year.</li></ul>Why it matters: The new data suggests U.S. roads are becoming more deadly and that the country is on pace to have yet another annual rise in traffic fatalities.<ul><li>Iowa had the 11th highest increase in the nation in the early NHTSA estimates, released last month.</li></ul>What&#x27;s happening: Traffic fatalities began growing nationwide during the pandemic even though fewer people were driving and overall traffic accidents dropped, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Axios&#x27; Joann Muller reported" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2022/02/28/traffic-deaths-spiked-more-us-during-covid" data-vars-content-id="20e7a5a9-1ece-4f35-8830-0cc6bc3dd077" data-vars-headline="Iowans are driving at &quot;egregious speeds&quot; as traffic fatalities increase" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2022/02/28/traffic-deaths-spiked-more-us-during-covid" target="_self">Axios&#x27; Joann Muller reported</a>.<ul><li>The people who were on the road tended to be disproportionately male and younger (39 and under) and also engaged in risky driving behavior, an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AAA study" data-vars-click-url="https://newsroom.aaa.com/2022/02/solving-a-puzzle-with-fewer-drivers-on-the-road-during-covid-why-the-spike-in-fatalities/" data-vars-content-id="20e7a5a9-1ece-4f35-8830-0cc6bc3dd077" data-vars-headline="Iowans are driving at &quot;egregious speeds&quot; as traffic fatalities increase" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://newsroom.aaa.com/2022/02/solving-a-puzzle-with-fewer-drivers-on-the-road-during-covid-why-the-spike-in-fatalities/" target="_blank">AAA study</a> found.</li><li>Half of the people who drove more during the pandemic said they were speeding on residential roads and texting, while nearly half reported running red lights and changing lanes aggressively.</li><li>They were also more likely to not be wearing a seat belt or to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.</li></ul>Zoom in: Iowa&#x27;s 2022 crash rates are averaging seven fatalities higher in comparison to the state&#x27;s five-year average, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation.<ul><li>356 people died in Iowa accidents last year — a five-year high, according to the DOT. So far in 2022, 235 people have died.</li><li>A disproportionate amount of drivers are dying without a seat belt on (47%) and are in rural areas.</li></ul>What they&#x27;re saying: Iowans have been driving at &quot;egregious speeds,&quot; since 2020, said Sgt. Alex Dinkla, spokesperson for Iowa State Patrol. <ul><li>State troopers are pulling over people every day who are driving 100mph+ speeds on the roads, he said.</li></ul>

News

Axios Des Moines, anchored by Jason Clayworth and Linh Ta, is here to help readers get smarter, faster on the most consequential news and developments unfolding in their own backyard.

Reproduced from Polk County Health Department; Chart: Axios Visuals

Syphilis cases spiked in Polk County in 2021, with some of the most dramatic increases occurring in women, according to a recent report by the county health department.

Why it matters: That spike is fueling an increase in congenital syphilis, which affects a fetus during pregnancy. 

Congenital syphilis has been rare in Iowa with only 10 cases in the last decade.

But in 2021, there were 11 cases — signaling that some women are not getting needed prenatal care.

State of play: Syphilis infections are historically most predominant among men who have sex with men.

But in 2021, women made up 26% of Polk County's total cases up from 15% in 2020. 

Zoom out: While men still make up the majority of infections, cases among gay and bisexual men have decreased over the years.

Meanwhile, they've gone up nationwide in heterosexual women, The New York Times reports.

Between the lines: A contributing factor is an increase in opioid and methamphetamine abuse, which contributes to riskier behavior among all genders, like unprotected sex.

Women who are using substances may also be less likely to seek prenatal care out of fear of being drug tested and losing custody of their child.

The big picture: Beyond substance abuse, there's a whole slew of reasons infections are increasing, including misdiagnosis, lack of sex ed and barriers to healthcare access.

The bottom line: Iowans should be getting tested every time they have a new sexual partner, spokesperson for the Polk County Health Department Nola Davis Aigner said. 

And people in monogamous relationships should still be getting STD tested annually, said Davis Aigner. 

Syphilis cases rise among Polk County women

In 2021, women made up 26% of Polk County's total cases up from 15% in 2020.

Syphilis

Syphilis cases spiked in Polk County in 2021, with some of the most dramatic increases occurring in women, according to a recent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="report" data-vars-click-url="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oBb7jX9ylCOar-kztb0CbG3_daDf2icB/view" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1oBb7jX9ylCOar-kztb0CbG3_daDf2icB/view" target="_blank">report</a> by the county health department.Why it matters: That spike is fueling an increase in congenital syphilis, which affects a fetus during pregnancy.

Urbandale Mayor Bob Andeweg is helping lead a city, while also balancing a full-time job as an attorney.

Details: His secret is having a good to-do list and using a focus planner to do it.

"If I make a list of 10 things, I'm never going to get all 10 of them, but at least if I can get the top three, I feel pretty good."

State of play: On a typical day, you'll likely find him running between calling legal clients and cutting ribbons for new Urbandale businesses.

His favorite morning meeting spots are Twisted Bean and Hy-Vee.

⏰ Wake up: 5:30-6am. The first thing he does is play Wordle. (And if he can't sleep, he'll play it at midnight.)

🥣 Breakfast: Black coffee at home and whatever's available to throw into the Vitamix blender, along with some protein powder.

"It fills me up and helps me resist the temptation to grab a doughnut or something else."

🗞️ What he's reading: The Wall Street Journal, New York Times and Washington Post.

How Urbandale Mayor Bob Andeweg starts his day

On a typical day, you'll likely find him running between calling legal clients and cutting ribbons.

Urbandale Mayor Bob Andeweg is helping lead a city, while also balancing a full-time job as an attorney.Details: His secret is having a good to-do list and using a focus planner to do it.

Some Des Moines metro school districts are spending thousands of dollars on equipment in an effort to stop kids from vaping in school buildings.

Driving the news: Waukee plans to purchase eight vape detectors for $1,400 each from Midwest Alarm Services as part of a trial run this year.

West Des Moines installed vape detectors at Valley High School in 2021 and spent $1,500 on each one.

How it works: They look similar to smoke detectors and don't record any audio or video — making the unobtrusive device available to use in more private areas, like school bathrooms.

They pick up chemical changes in the air and silently alert officials when vaping is happening.

State of play: The popularity of e-cigarettes, especially among young Iowans, has reversed over a decade of declining tobacco use, according to the Iowa Department of Public Health. 

In 1999, 38% of Iowa 11th graders had used some sort of tobacco product. That number steadily declined to 17% until 2014 — around the time e-cigarettes gained popularity among younger Iowans. 

What's happening: Now, an estimated 20% of Iowa high school students have used an e-cigarette, according to a 2022 report from IDPH.

What we're watching: Will the vape detectors work? 

As generations of teens have shown before — if there's a will, there's a way. 

But vape detection equipment is one method that can be used, especially as schools face staff shortages.

What they're saying: Valley High School administrators noticed a significant reduction in repeat vaping incidents once the detectors were installed, according to Laine Mendenhall-Buck, spokesperson for WDMCS.

They installed them after noticing an increase in vaping in bathrooms starting in 2016, including "health-related incidents" from THC oil vapes.

Yes, but: Most metro schools don't have the detection equipment and don't plan on getting any.

"Our staff use their eyes, ears, and noses to prevent or stop vape use on school campuses," said Amanda Lewis, spokesperson for Des Moines schools. "It may seem 'old school,' but it is effective."

Des Moines metro schools install vape detection equipment

Waukee plans to purchase eight vape detectors for $1,400 each.

Illustration of a vintage classroom with a teacher giving an anti-vaping presentation

Vaping

Some Des Moines metro school districts are spending thousands of dollars on equipment in an effort to stop kids from vaping in school buildings.Driving the news: Waukee plans to purchase eight vape detectors for $1,400 each from Midwest Alarm Services as part of a trial run this year.

Maria Bonita, Ankeny's sole Mexican grocery store, opened its doors a few months ago and there are a lot of little treasures to try.

Why it matters: Ankeny is now the metro's largest suburb and its Latino and Hispanic populations are rapidly growing.

The next closest Hispanic goods grocery store is in Des Moines—25 minutes away for some families.

What to expect: It's not as big as La Tapatia in Des Moines, but you'll find fresh produce, pantry items, dairy, frozen foods and lots of spicy snacks.

You'll also find yuca, empanada dough, boxes of tortillas, fried plantains, arepas and frozen pupusas.

The intrigue: There's a meat counter where you can get barbacoa and carnitas by the pound, as well as food that's made-to-order, like elotes.

Open: 8:30am to 8:30pm every day; 502 North Ankeny Blvd., #9, Ankeny.

Meat counter at Maria Bonita. Photo: Linh Ta/Axios

Ankeny's sole Mexican grocery store serves up fresh meat counter

Ankeny is now the metro's largest suburb and its Latino and Hispanic population is rapidly growing.

Maria Bonita - Tienda Mexicana in Ankeny. Photo: Linh Ta/Axios

Food

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Maria Bonita" data-vars-click-url="https://www.facebook.com/TiendaMexicanaMariaBonita" data-vars-content-id="e350c022-b7bb-41cd-a1a5-4f570bdce681" data-vars-headline="Ankeny&#x27;s sole Mexican grocery store serves up fresh meat counter" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.facebook.com/TiendaMexicanaMariaBonita" target="_blank">Maria Bonita</a>, Ankeny&#x27;s sole Mexican grocery store, opened its doors a few months ago and there are a lot of little treasures to try.Why it matters: Ankeny is now the metro&#x27;s largest suburb and its Latino and Hispanic populations are rapidly growing.

Linh Ta

Featured stories

Iowans are driving at "egregious speeds" as traffic fatalities increase

How Urbandale Mayor Bob Andeweg starts his day

Des Moines metro schools install vape detection equipment

Syphilis cases rise among Polk County women

Ankeny's sole Mexican grocery store serves up fresh meat counter