Latest news with #AlexDinkla
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Iowa roads see decrease in fatal crashes at the start of ‘100 deadliest days of summer'
An Iowa State Patrol squad car parked at the State Capitol. (Photo by Kathie Obradovich/Iowa Capital Dispatch) Memorial Day 2025 kicked off what the Iowa State Patrol calls the '100 deadliest days of summer,' a period of time marked by an increase in teen driver crashes and fatalities. This time of year, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, is when many younger drivers are hitting the roads for the first time and others may be indulging in the holiday season. Law enforcement agencies, including the Iowa State Patrol, increased their presence on the roadways over the holiday weekend and noticed a continued pattern of decreasing fatal crashes over the past three years. 'Our focus is to make the roadways a safe and enjoyable experience,' said Sgt. Alex Dinkla, public information officer for Iowa State Patrol. 'This is one of those periods where that extra enforcement, we know, did pay off.' The state patrol arrested 21 individuals for operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated and covered over 47 crashes across the state. The Iowa Department of Transportation reported two fatal accidents in the days leading up to Memorial Day. Buckle that seatbelt, put the phone down and always remember, if you're gonna go out and have some alcohol, to get that sober driver. – Sgt. Alex Dinkla, public information officer for Iowa State Patrol Many of the crashes occurred at intersections around the state. Dinkla noted that drivers often forget the blind spot on both sides of their car, between their windshield and door window. These blind spots can obscure entire vehicles from the driver's view. Dinkla recommends drivers check two or three times before crossing an intersection to ensure they spot any threats. In 2023, the DOT reported four fatal crashes in the days before the holiday, one of which was attributed to alcohol. In 2024, there were three fatal crashes. This year, the number dropped to two. Dinkla said that while the patrol doesn't 'want to call that a success because that's still two fatalities,' it's evident the extra presence and effort to educate the public is making a difference. Going forward, Dinkla said, the ISP plans to utilize their Air Wing Unit, a unit of five pilots and aircrafts primarily used for traffic enforcement, more during other holidays and times of peak travel. Founded in 1956, the unit currently consists of three Cessna 182 aircraft, one Cessna 206 and one SR-22 CIRUSS. Two of the aircraft have thermal imaging equipment to aid in missing-person cases, fugitive location and specialized surveillance. 'None of us know when we may or may not be involved in a fatal crash,' he said. 'Buckle that seatbelt, put the phone down and always remember, if you're gonna go out and have some alcohol, to get that sober driver.'
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Yahoo
Man hospitalized after pursuit, crash involving Iowa State Patrol trooper
DES MOINES, Iowa — A late-night crash in Mahaska County Tuesday was the result of a pursuit involving the Oskaloosa Police Department and the Iowa State Patrol. A crash report from the Iowa State Patrol said it happened about 11:43 p.m. at Highway 92 and Dean Avenue. That's about seven miles west of Oskaloosa. Indianola daycare provider charged with murder in 4-month-old's death Sgt. Alex Dinkla, spokesperson for the Iowa State Patrol, said the Oskaloosa Police Department initiated the pursuit because the driver was suspected of being impaired. The OPD, assisted by the Iowa State Patrol, was pursuing a Chevy S-10 pickup driven by Laverne Brackett, 52, of Indianola, when the crash happened. The report said the truck was traveling westbound on Highway 92 when Brackett lost control near Dean Avenue, and the truck came to face eastbound in the westbound lane where it was struck by an Iowa State Patrol vehicle. Brackett was transported by air ambulance to Mercy Hospital in Des Moines. His current condition is unknown. Man hospitalized after pursuit, crash involving Iowa State Patrol trooper Indianola daycare provider charged with murder in 4-month-old's death New high school program helps Indianola students with disabilities join the workforce Transparency concerns on the mind at Madison County Board of Supervisors meeting 'Before They Were Soldiers' profiles Iowans who did not return from Vietnam Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
14-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
So your car is in the ditch; what now?
DES MOINES, Iowa — On Thursday the Iowa State Patrol lifted it's tow ban allowing tow trucks to retrieve cars that got stuck in ditches during Wednesday's winter storm. Tow trucking companies recommend that the first thing a driver does when their car ends up in a ditch is call the police. Sergeant Alex Dinkla with the Iowa State Patrol said the Iowa State Patrol will assist drivers who get stuck during winter storms. 'We will definitely send first responders out there, pick you up, take you to a safe location, whether that be a gas station or a hotel. But we want to get somebody nearby. We want to get you out of, out of harm's way,' Sergeant Dinkla said. After assistance from the Iowa State Patrol it is a driver's responsibility to have a tow truck retrieve their car. Andy Deboard, the President of Perry's Service and Towing, said tow companies are able to take driver's cars wherever is needed after they end up in a ditch. Iowa to see 3 more rounds of snow this week into next 'Some people just want to take them back to their house so they can actually see how bad it is. Some want it taken straight to their preferred body shop. Sometimes insurance companies will have body shops that they prefer to work with and your insurance company may advise you. You have the best shops to take it to, but we can really take it anywhere you want your car taken to,' Deboard said. Carlos Palacios, the Officer Manager at Budget Insurance, said after drivers call 911 and have their car towed it's important to contact insurance to start the claims process. 'After you've called the police and you know you're not on the side of the road anymore, that's when you want to call your insurance. Figure out first what coverage you have and how you can get a claim turned in,' Palacios said. Once drivers start a claim process they can find an autobody shop to provide repairs. Joey Tessman, the Owner of Joey's Auto Shop, said that drivers should look for experienced mechanics to work on their cars. 'You want to make sure that the shop understands what your problem is and that they're the best one to fix it for you. You know, having the right technicians trained, you know, will help the process along. Make sure that you get the repair done properly the first time,' Tessman said. The best way to avoid needing a tow truck is to stay off the roads during a winter storm. Iowa News: So your car is in the ditch; what now? New EV charging stations in Iowa halted, drivers face limited options Iowa House Republicans pass 2.25% funding increase for schools; Democrats warn of staff, tax implications Iowan eats 99 tenderloins across the state, reveals his favorite Bird flu detected in another Iowa turkey flock; disaster proclamation granted Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
09-02-2025
- Yahoo
Iowa State Patrol prepares for 'drunk drivers' ahead Super Bowl
DES MOINES, Iowa — The Iowa State Patrol is preparing for a possible increase in irresponsible and inebriated drivers ahead of Sunday's big game. 'One of the things that we've noticed over the last several years is that the Super Bowl weekend tends to be a high-volume weekend where people choose to drink and celebrate irresponsibly,' Sergeant Alex Dinkla, Iowa State Patrol, told WHO 13 News. The Iowa State Patrol believes that pre-game and post-game is when the most impaired drivers will be on the road. 'Our busy times is going to be tomorrow (Sunday) during the game and probably right after the game that we will probably see a heightened volume of people driving on the roadways and being impaired,' said Dinkla. 2 arrested following overnight pursuit, ISP investigates To encourage people to think ahead the 'Fans Don't Let Fans Drive Drunk' campaign promotes those who party hard Sunday to make sure they and those around them get home safe. 'This is a very fun time where people are going to gather, whether it be at a restaurant or whether it be at a friend's house,' said Dinkla. 'We want people to celebrate, but do that responsibly, have a plan in place before you head out.' The Iowa Governor's Traffic Safety Bureau is making sure Sunday's partiers get home safe by partnering with Doll Distributing to provide $10 vouchers through Uber. 'So, find that rideshare service, get home safely because at the end of the night, we don't want you to end up in jail, or more importantly, we don't want you to get involved in a fatal crash or a serious crash because those do have lifelong altering consequences,' said Dinkla. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
