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Iowa has an absolute speeding law. That means that a driver who is traveling just one mile over the speed limit is speeding. Additionally, a driver may be guilty of speeding even if he is not exceeding the posted speed limit in some circumstances. Accordingly, it is important for all drivers—including riders—to understand Iowa speeding laws, the danger of speeding and what to do if you’ve been hurt in a crash.
Iowa Speeding Laws
In Iowa, every driver must drive at a careful and prudent speed. According to Iowa Code Section 321.285, this requires a driver to drive at a reasonable and proper speed considering things such as:
- Traffic.
- Surface and width of the highway (or road).
- Road conditions.
- Having enough time to stop with a clear distance ahead.
Unless otherwise posted, the specific speed limits in Iowa are as follows:
- 65 MPH on controlled-access, multi-lane highways such as interstates.
- 55 MPH on other highways or secondary roads.
- 45 MPH in suburban areas.
- 45 MPH on roads under the control of the State Board of Regents.
- 35 MPH on state park and preserve roads.
- 25 MPH in residential or school districts.
- 20 MPH in business districts.
A driver who exceeds these speed limits, other posted speed limits, or a safe speed given the current road conditions may be negligent and may cause significant accidents.
How Speeding Drivers Cause Motorcycle Crashes
A speeding driver is a danger to all motorists, including motorcyclists. Of special concern to motorcyclists, however, is that a driver who is speeding may…
- Not have enough time to stop and prevent a crash.
- Not see a motorcyclist approaching.
- Lose control of his vehicle and collide with the rider.
Any of these causes of a motorcycle crash can result in significant injuries for a rider.
What to Do If You’ve Been Hurt by a Speeding Driver
If you have been hurt or your loved one has been killed in a motorcycle crash, then we encourage you to report the accident to the police; to get prompt medical attention; to read our free book, The Ultimate Guide for Motorcycle Accident Victims; and to contact us directly via this website for a free, no-obligation consultation about your rights.
