In 2016, nearly 40,000 people died in traffic accidents across the country, a 14 percent increase over 2014 and the biggest two year jump in 50 years. Many believe that the rise in fatal car accidents correspond to an...

Following Colorado’s lead, a handful of states have legalized recreational marijuana while a number of other states have legalized medical marijuana or have decriminalized possessing certain amounts. Even in states like Iowa who have not embraced legalized recreational use,...

Recently, an appeals court ruled that job applicants are protected against workplace discrimination based on age – not just current employees. The decision signals a victory to older job seekers who have are often overlooked as candidates simply because...

Construction accident prevention is key in reducing the number of workplace fatalities and injuries in the U.S. With 1 and 5 deaths occurring at construction sites, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) brings attention...

With so many people finding work opportunities in the gig economy, there may be some questions regarding their classification – employee or independent contractor? The distinction boils down to an employer’s obligation to provide workers’ compensation, unemployment, overtime and...

A complaint about employer retaliation posted on the Des Moines Register’s Readers Watchdog in November has shaken things up at Des Moines Public Works. The tip posted by an unnamed employee said workers were not reporting on-the-job injuries for...

The number of pedestrian fatalities in traffic accidents have risen sharply in states that have legalized recreational marijuana compared to a decline in states that have not. Although a cause and effect link has not been firmly establish yet, a...

New Years, the Super Bowl, and more recently, marijuana users’ self-proclaimed holiday, 4/20 Day, all appear to be associated with increases in traffic fatalities. Risks that have long been linked to alcohol and driving on Super Bowl Sunday and New Year’s Eve are now associated with impaired driving on...

Utilization of ignition interlock devices have become fairly widespread across the country to curb drunk driving. IID’s function as an onboard breathalyzer, preventing a car from starting if the driver is impaired. In many states the requirement to install...

In a letter to the editor of the Des Moines Register, one reader rings in on proposed changes to Iowa’s dram shop law (SF 1179/HSB 594), which seeks to limit compensation to victims of drunk drivers. If the changes...