We’re the best at growing corn - no other state in the nation produces more than us. And this weekend when Iowa Corn 350 drivers race at more than twice the speed limit and bank steep left turns, our famous cornfed visitors will have one thing in common with local cornfed drivers. If there’s a crash up ahead, they’ll move over or slow down.
Unlike NASCAR drivers, moving over is not just a courtesy on our roads – it’s the law. By following these two simple rules, you can help save lives, avoid receiving a citation, and keep your driver’s license. Iowa law requires motorists to:
- Change lanes or slow down (Iowa Code section 321.323A) when approaching these vehicles:
- A stationary emergency vehicle that has its flashing lights activated.
- A stationary tow, recovery, maintenance, construction, solid waste or recycling collection vehicle that has its flashing lights activated.
- Any stationary motor vehicle, including a passenger vehicle, that is continually displaying its emergency signal lamps (i.e., standard hazard lights).
- Yield the right of way to an emergency vehicle displaying flashing lights or giving an audible signal by moving over to the right, stopping and waiting until the vehicle has passed before proceeding. (Iowa Code section 321.324).
Here’s how we can take the checkered flag on Iowa’s roadways.
In 2025, in Iowa, 148 people have been killed in traffic crashes. That’s an increase of five since last Friday. In Iowa in 2024, there were 356 traffic-related deaths. To see statistics published daily by the Office of Driver Services, visit the daily fatality report.