Along with the Iowa State Patrol, the Charles City Police Department is among several law agencies participating in the latest Special Traffic Enforcement Program (sTEP) now through Monday, April 10th.
Police Chief Hugh Anderson says the CCPD has been involved in sTEP efforts since the program began over 20 years ago. The focus of the campaigns is to crack down on violations and promote safer driving habits.
Anderson says the department receives federal funding largely to help cover the cost of paying for the overtime that comes with the increased patrol efforts, but the grants have also helped with equipment purchases.
Other law enforcement agencies also participating in the distracted driving sTEP include the Floyd, Chickasaw and Howard County Sheriff’s Offices. Â
According to the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau, there were over 9,200 crashes on Iowa roadways in 2022 because of distracted/inattentive drivers. Those types of wrecks were responsible for 20 deaths, over 3,600 injured persons, and over $81 million dollars in property damage.Â
