WDM Accident Analysis for 2005

Both public safety calls for service and reports involving accidents in West Des Moines decreased from 2004 to 2005. Reports involving property damage increased, while injury reports decreased. The percent change per type of accident and top ten locations for accident reports are represented below.

Percent Change Per:
Calls for Service: -19.0%
Accident Reports: -2.9%
Property Damage Reports: -2.9%
Injury Reports: -12.5%
Fatality: 300% (up from one to four)
Car vs. Deer: 2.7%
Hit/Run Property Damage: 2.2%

Top Ten Locations for Reportable Accidents
1. 2000 I-35 (Mile Marker 69): 24 reports
2. 101 Jordan Creek Parkway: 19 reports
3. 1000 Jordan Creek Parkway (Ashworth Rd): 17 reports
4. 3500 University Avenue: 16 reports
5. 1 Ashworth Road (1st St): 15 reports
6. 1500 I-35: 13 reports
7. 1700 Grand Avenue: 12 reports
7. 2200 I-235: 12 reports
7. 5405 Mills Civic Parkway: 12 reports
7. 1600 50th Street (Westown Parkway): 12 reports

The number of calls and number of reportable accidents vary significantly at each location because reports are only made in the case of personal injury, hit and run, or damage estimated above $1,000; multiple calls can be received for the same accident; and sometimes the parties involved exchange information and move on before a police officer can arrive at the scene. Therefore, the locations with the most reports are not necessarily the locations with the most accident calls. For more information about a particular intersection, take a look at the Accident Reports link on the Police Department’s section of the City of West Des Moines website under “For Residents."

Major sources of accident reports appear to be inattentiveness in large parking lots where people are not careful when backing up, icy conditions at 2000 I-35 (Mile Marker 69), and drivers failing to yield the right of way at major intersections. Among other things, our Police Department has plans to increase information to the public about parking lot driving and safe progression through intersections and improve communication with the Department of Transportation to ensure proper road treatment during and after winter storms.