Charles City, New Hampton PDs Participate in Thanksgiving sTEP

The latest Special Traffic Enforcement Program (sTEP) from the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau (GTSB) officially began in Iowa November 14th, but kicks into higher gear Thanksgiving weekend.

The Iowa State Patrol, along with local law enforcement agencies including the Charles City and New Hampton police departments and the Howard County Sheriff’s Office, are increasing their visibility and stepping up crackdowns on speeding, seatbelt, texting while driving, and impaired driving violations through Monday (November 27).

Police Chief Hugh Anderson says the Charles City PD has been involved with the program from the beginning..

Originally designed to increase usage and awareness of seatbelt safety, Anderson says efforts by law enforcement have been successful.

Still, despite efforts to get drivers to adopt overall safer habits, the Iowa DOT says traffic fatalities numbered 330 through November 21st. That’s up from 302 for the same period last year and a jump of 50 from five years ago.

Pete Hjelmstad with the Mason City District office of the Iowa DOT also cautions drivers to be aware of road conditions with overnight temperatures around 20 degrees through the holiday weekend.

Hjelmstad also encourages travelers to check www.511ia.org or download the 511ia app for the latest road conditions.