Local, State Law Enforcement on High Alert Labor Day Weekend for Impaired Drivers

Iowa law enforcement agencies will be on high alert through the Labor Day Weekend looking to decrease impaired driving and cut down on traffic fatalities.

The Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau (GTSB) is partnering with the Iowa State Patrol, plus local agencies including the Chickasaw County Sheriff’s Office and New Hampton, West Union and Mason City police departments in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over high-visibility enforcement project. The GTSB says you’ll see officers working together during this time to take drunk/drugged drivers off the road. 

New Hampton Police Chief Conrad Rosendahl says NHPD officers will be stepping up traffic enforcement, with special emphasis on impaired driving, seatbelt and speeding violations, along with texting while driving violations.

According to the GTSB,last year, during the final four weeks of summer, there were 45 traffic fatalities in Iowa; 30% of those fatalities were caused by impaired drivers.

Authorities advise there are plenty of options to help impaired drivers get home safely; including designating a sober driver or calling a taxi/rideshare. If available, use your community’s sober ride program. 

If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact local law enforcement.