Iowa law enforcement officials, legislators and safety experts are meeting today (Tuesday) to talk about toughening the rules for younger drivers. Iowa Public Safety Commissioner Kevin Techau organized the meeting and says, “The number one cause of fatalities and the number one cause of serious injuries for Iowans under the age of 25 is traffic accidents. When you look at that, it kind of hits you in the face. It’s time to take a step back and see if we can do more to reduce the number of fatalities and injuries suffered by Iowans under the age of 25.” Since 2001, two-hundred-73 Iowans between the ages of 16 and 19 have died in traffic accidents. Techau says one remedy might be more restrictions on driving, like forbidding teenagers from having more than one other passenger in their car. Techau has compiled a list of similar suggestions, and the group gathered today in a hotel conference room in suburban Des Moines is reviewing that list. Radio Iowa will cover the group’s closing session and report on the group’s ideas tomorrow (Thursday) morning.
