Law Enforcement Urges Safety During New Year’s Eve Celebrations

Law enforcement officials, including those in north Iowa, are urging motorists to “Designate Before You Celebrate” as you prepare for New Year’s Eve parties.

The Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau’s (GTSB) latest “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign is in operation through Wednesday, New Year’s Day (01.01.25). That means drivers can expect extra law enforcement presence in an effort to cut down on drinking and driving.

Chickasaw County Sheriff Ryan Shawver encourages being responsible during your NYE festivities.

Shawver advises there are also other alternatives for a safe trip home.

The GTSB says an OWI conviction can cost up to $10,000.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 990 drivers were charged with OWI on Iowa roads last December. NHTSA also cautions that impaired drivers endanger themselves and others, noting, on average, 37% of Iowa’s traffic deaths are impaired related.