September 29, 2026
DES MOINES, Iowa - The Iowa Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau (GTSB) has announced five new counties selected to participate in the High Five Rural Traffic Safety Project: Clinton, Mills, Sioux, Warren, and Winneshiek counties. The High Five Rural Traffic Safety Project was created and implemented by GTSB to address occupant protection concerns in rural communities, increase seat belt use, and reduce fatalities and serious injuries involving unprotected vehicle occupants.
Over the next three years, GTSB will partner with local law enforcement, public safety agencies, community organizations, and residents in these areas. The initiative will employ a multidisciplinary approach combining enforcement, education, and engineering strategies tailored to each county's individual needs.
These high-priority counties were identified through an extensive data analysis conducted by the Iowa State University Institute for Transportation. The analysis examined crash and occupant-protection data to isolate rural communities that consistently experience higher-than-state-average rates of unprotected fatalities and serious injuries, allowing GTSB to direct resources where they can make the most meaningful difference.
The High Five project has a proven track record of measurable progress. In the most recent participating counties—Appanoose, Fremont, Humboldt, Keokuk, and Mitchell—unrestrained motorist fatalities plummeted from approximately 90% at the project's 2024 inception down to 50% following three years of targeted public awareness and high-visibility enforcement. Serious injuries involving unprotected occupants also declined from 51% to 30%, dropping below the statewide average of 34%.
“These results demonstrate what can happen when communities, law enforcement, traffic safety professionals, and other partners work together toward a common goal," said GTSB Bureau Chief Brett Tjepkes. "High Five is about taking the data we have, identifying where we have the greatest opportunity to make a difference, and bringing resources and partnerships directly into those communities. Ultimately, this work is about saving lives.”
This project is a key component of Iowa’s broader traffic safety momentum. In 2025, Iowa recorded a historic low of 259 traffic fatalities and is currently on track to maintain this downward trend in 2026 with another year projected below 300 fatalities.
ABOUT THE IOWA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
The Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS) is the largest law enforcement agency in the state. It includes seven divisions and several bureaus, all working together with local, state, and federal government agencies and the private sector to keep Iowa a safe place by following our core values: leadership, integrity, professionalism, courtesy, service, and protection. Divisions within the Iowa DPS: Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Iowa State Patrol, Iowa State Fire Marshal Division, Iowa Division of Intelligence and Fusion Center, Professional Development and Support Services Division, and Administrative Services Division. The Department of Public Safety is led by the Commissioner who is appointed by the Governor.
Iowa Department of Public Safety
215 E. 7th St.
Des Moines, IA 50319
215 E 7th St
Des Moines, IA 50319