Local law enforcement agencies are again teaming up with the Iowa State Patrol in the latest Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau (GTSB) special traffic enforcement program (sTEP) targeting the Memorial Day Weekend.
That’s Chickasaw County Sheriff Ryan Shawver, who says the “Click It Don’t Risk It” sTEP, on now through June 1st, will have an emphasis on seat belt use…for everyone in the vehicle.
New Hampton Police Chief Conrad Rosendahl says they’ll also be on the look out for distracted driving.
Rosendahl adds that federal grants allow them to increase their presence to also crack down on speeding and impaired driving violations.
The Charles City Police Department and the Floyd County Sheriff’s Office are also participating in the latest sTEP.
***From the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau
DES MOINES, Iowa – The Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau (GTSB) is partnering with law enforcement across Iowa to support the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Click It. Don’t Risk It. high-visibility enforcement effort. The national seat belt campaign, which coincides with the Memorial Day holiday, is May 19-June 1, 2025.
It is perceived everyone wears a seat belt, but data shows that’s not true. In 2024, 44% of traffic fatalities in Iowa were unbuckled; that translates to 108 lives lost. In a GTSB survey of over 1,450 Iowans, 88% reported always buckling up in the front seat. Only 67% always buckle in the back seat.
“No matter the type of vehicle you’re traveling in, where you’re seated, or what type of road you’re driving on, the best way to protect yourself in a crash is to buckle up,” says Brett Tjepkes, Iowa GTSB Bureau Chief. “Unfortunately, many families are suffering because their loved ones did not follow this simple step. If this enforcement effort alerts people to the dangers not buckling up, we’ll consider the mission a success.”
If you know a friend or a family member who does not wear a seat belt, please talk to them about changing their habits. Help GTSB and law enforcement spread this lifesaving message before one more friend or family member is killed. Seat belts save lives, and everyone — front seat and back, child and adult — needs to be properly restrained when traveling.
GTSB works with city, county, state, and local organizations to develop and implement strategies to reduce death and injury on Iowa roads using federally funded grants.
Click It. Don’t Risk It. campaign resources
