Sheldon, Iowa — The holiday season is known for being merry and bright, but it is also known for being the deadliest season when it comes to impaired driving.
Sheldon Police will be joining law enforcement officers from across the state who will partner with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) this holiday season to remove impaired drivers from the roads and help save lives. From December 17, 2021 to January 1, 2022, motorists will see an increased presence of law enforcement on the roads.
Sadly, the statistics prove that there is a lot of work to do to put an end to drunk driving. According to NHTSA, 10,142 people were killed nationwide in drunk-driving crashes in 2019, accounting for nearly one-third of traffic crash fatalities. On average, more than 10,000 people were killed each year from 2015 to 2019 — one person was killed in a drunk-driving crash every 52 minutes in 2019. This is why the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau is working with Sheldon Police, other law enforcement agencies and NHTSA to remind drivers that drunk driving is not only illegal, it is a matter of life and death.
Always remember to plan ahead if you will be celebrating with an impairing substance. If you plan to indulge, plan for a sober driver to take you home. Call a taxi, friend or relative! Is it your turn to be the designated driver? Take the role seriously and do not partake in alcohol or any other drugs.
As you head out to the holiday festivities, remember: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.
