From Sen. Amanda Ragan –
Iowa ranks among the ten most peaceful states in America in the 2012 U.S. Peace Index report, which looks at homicide, violent crime, policing and prison rates.
We also fare well when it comes to accidents. According to the Trust for America’s Health, Iowa has the 12th lowest rate of deaths from injury. Our state ranks high because we meet many recommended safety standards that keep us healthy and save lives. These include tracking the causes of injuries, prescription drug monitoring to prevent overdoses, required seat belt use, and increased attention to head injuries in sports.
We further improved Iowa’s reputation for safety this year by:
1. Requiring criminal background checks on health care employees to prevent abuse and fraud.
2. Requiring repeat OWI offenders to install an ignition interlock device before they can get a temporary restricted license to drive to work and substance abuse treatment.
3. Ensuring teens get supervised driving practice in all seasons and face fewer distractions by strengthening Iowa’s Graduated Driver’s Licensing.
4. Providing effective response to emergencies by providing necessary 911 funding.
5. Ensuring children are brought up in safe homes and get the care they need.
6. Protecting victims by providing more tools to law enforcement and helping those who have experienced domestic violence and sexual assault get the services they need.
7. Toughening Iowa laws to better ensure law enforcement can prosecute and put away sex offenders.
8. Preventing recidivism through corrections education, which helps offenders acquire the skills to become productive members of their communities once they are out of prison.
9. Allowing Iowans to add medical information to their electronic driving record, making it immediately available to health care providers in emergencies.
