Northwest Iowa — The Iowa State Patrol has announced its plan to promote a safe Labor Day Weekend on Iowa roads. The initiative is titled ‘Labor Day Weekend: Safe Travel – Priority One’, according to Trooper Vince Kurtz.
A safe trip is often overlooked on the public’s priority list…taken for granted until that safe trip is ruined by tragedy. Kurtz says 2015 saw 6 motorists lose their lives in Labor Day Weekend collisions – the most of any major holiday last year. Year to date, as of August 30th, 253 lives have been lost in Iowa traffic crashes, according to the Iowa State Patrol. This is a more than 22% increase from last year at this time.
Kurtz says high visibility traffic enforcement has proven time and time again to be effective at reducing traffic crashes and increasing traffic law compliance. To that end, extra troopers will be on patrol in northwest Iowa throughout the weekend. They will be addressing all types of traffic violations, and assisting stranded motorists.
The Iowa State Patrol encourages motorists to buckle-up, slow down, avoid distractions, and use a designated driver if celebration plans include alcohol.
