Law Enforcement on High Alert for Labor Day Weekend Traffic Violations
The Labor Day Weekend means law enforcement will be on high alert for impaired drivers.
The Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau (GTSB) is partnering with law enforcement including the Iowa State Patrol, the Chickasaw and Howard County Sheriff’s Offices, and New Hampton Police Department, in the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” high-visibility enforcement project on now through Labor Day Monday.
According to the GTSB, during the final weeks of summer from August 1 – September 4, 2022, there were 40 traffic fatalities in Iowa. 30% of those fatalities were alcohol/drug related.
Pete Hjelmstad with the Mason City District Office of the Iowa DOT, adds that fatalities as a whole in 2023 are up, noting numbers through Wednesday, August 23rd.
As for the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign, GTSB Law Enforcement Liaison Randy Kunert says options to help impaired drivers get home safely over the holiday weekend include designating a sober driver or calling a taxi or ride-share service.
The public is also reminded that if you see a drunk driver on the road, contact local law enforcement.
