Take it slow this fall to stay safe on Iowa's roads

Fall is one of the most beautiful times of the year to go for a drive in western Iowa, but several factors can increase safety risk for drivers. 

Rowcrop harvest is underway, and many farm vehicles are large and slow-moving. Plan for extra time if you're driving on rural highways, and expect delays if you get caught behind a tractor, combine, or semi. Learn more in this post from Iowa State Extension.

photo from ISU Extension (https://www.extension.iastate.edu/news/drive-safely-iowa-roads-harvest-season)

Most roads in Iowa follow the cardinal directions, and the sunrises and sunsets are almost directly east and west near the autumnal equinox. This can cause visibility issues, particularly on east-west roads around sunrise and sunset times

photo from Iowa Environmental Mesonet (https://mesonet.agron.iastate.edu/onsite/features/cat.php?day=2025-09-22)

Earlier sunset times and later sunrises also coincide with morning and evening commuting rush hours during the fall, especially near metro areas.

They also align with deer mating season when more deer are on the move and crossing roads at dawn and dusk.

The end of Daylight Saving Time also causes an increase in traffic incidents, particularly vehicle-deer collisions.

Other wildlife are also moving more with migration or to prepare for the winter season.

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photo from Iowa Homeland Security Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/IowaHSEM/posts/pfbid02gCXDyyNFgT3mpQSgsWVWXMTjBnRoNbQbrGLL8dh5rhN2HEeso3My8caVNuYTH23gl)

Other things to be aware of this time of year are people who are out for a slow, scenic drive to view the fall colors, especially along our beautiful scenic byways.

Nice weather also means many people are out bicycling, walking, hiking, and running, which sometimes include on roadways or at least crossing roadways.

​Be extra cautious and plan for slower drive times this fall to keep yourself and others safe!