Iowa — Last year, in the final four weeks of summer, 45 people died on roadways in Iowa; Nearly 30% of those fatalities were caused by impaired driving, according to the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau (GTSB).
They tell us they are partnering with law enforcement statewide to support enforcement efforts aimed at decreasing impaired driving. From August 15th to September 1st, agencies are participating in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over high-visibility enforcement project. During this time, the public will see an increased presence of officers working together to remove impaired drivers/motorcycle riders from the road.
Trooper Kevin Krull of the Iowa State Patrol says it really is as simple as — if you are planning to drink, find someone sober to give you a ride.
He says crashes are especially sad when they are preventable.
The GTSB says you should designate a sober driver if you need a ride, or call a taxi/rideshare service. If available, use your community’s sober ride program. If you see or suspect an impaired driver/rider on the road, contact local law enforcement.
GTSB officials tell us they work with city, county, state, and local organizations to develop and implement strategies to reduce deaths and injuries on Iowa’s roadways using federally funded grants.
Thanks to fellow Community First Brodcasting Station KSOU in Sioux Center
Trooper Kevin Krull, KIWA Staff Photo
