The Iowa Center for Agricultural Safety and Health (I-CASH) at the University of Iowa is seeking input to try and make driving safer on rural roads. The center’s Meggan Fisher says they want to hear your stories about traveling rural roads. Fisher says they’re particularly interested in driving during high traffic times, such as the planting and harvesting seasons. They hope to use the information to create some educational material and media campaigns.

Fisher says they’re trying to address some of the problems that have happened on rural roads. Fisher says, "According to the Iowa Department of Transportation there were 190 crashes involving farm vehicles on public roads in 2005, resulting in five deaths, 14 major injuries, 45 minor injuries and an additional 54 possible injuries. Many of these crashes could have been preventable with proper education."

Fisher says they hope to re-focus people’s attention on the importance of staying alert on rural roads. She says everyone, whether they’re in the city or on rural roads, are thinking of other things, and they really need to be aware of the need to slow down, and look out, especially during the busy times.

There are a couple ways to share your experience. Fisher says you can call her directly at 319-335-4226 or visit the I-CASH website , and click on the "it’s preventable" link. I-CASH is a partnership of the University of Iowa, Iowa State University, the Iowa Department of Public Health, and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship.