Iowan roads have had safer driving this year, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation.

Highway fatalities between the months of January and March had been on the rise for the past five years, but recent statistics for 1996 show that there has been a 35 percent decrease.

In 1995, 106 people died on Iowa highways during the first three months compared to the 69 fatalities this year.

Dena Gray-Fisher, the Iowa DOT’s public relations official, said, “We’re doing a lot to make motorists more aware. People are heeding the advice being put out by the press and television. We also know that more people are using seat belts.”

According to the statistics, safety belts have saved 113 lives so far in 1996.

She said, “Last year was the highest we’ve had in a number of years. We hope this is a positive trend.”

Each consecutive year for the 1990s had an increase in total fatalities over a 12 month period. Last year topped the list at 527 deaths.

Gray-Fisher said this may be an indicator that 1996 could provide a lower total count if the trend continues. With the blizzards that happened earlier this year, Gray-Fisher said that Iowa motorists took safety cautions, which have kept fatalities to a minimum.

Darrel Rensick, Iowa DOT director, said in a prepared statement, “Iowans are using safer driving tactics. If we continue to take precautions while on the road, Iowa’s number of fatalities should continue to decrease, making Iowa a safer place.”