It is not unusual to hear that law enforcement agencies around the nation team up over many of the holidays for traffic enforcement programs. This Memorial Day weekend is no different with a nationwide “Click It or Ticket” initiative already underway. Iowa State Patrol Trooper and Public Resource Officer for District 4 in Denison, Shelby McCreedy, says the goal of these initiatives is to modify behavior and get people to practice safe driving habits. In working toward that goal, the Carroll region has been identified as an area of focus and McCreedy says residents will see a lot of flashing lights come Monday, May 31.
McCreedy says there has been an increase in the number of accidents related to distracted driving—a definition that has changed quite a bit over the years.
These efforts aren’t just about enforcement, there is an educational aspect as well. McCreedy says the importance of seatbelt usage is one of these areas; particularly following the report of some startling statistics.
She adds, as a state, seatbelt usage generally hovers around 93 to 94 percent compliance. The message they want motorists and passengers to understand is if you want to survive a crash, it is simple, buckle up. Give yourself the chance to survive because the month of January has shown the odds are not in your favor if you are unrestrained. The Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau (GTSB) as well as the National Traffic Safety Bureau (NTSB) will be using the reports from this Memorial Day enforcement in their efforts to understand and combat dangerous driving behaviors. McCreedy says for area drivers, the expectation is pretty simple.
Residents in Carroll and the surrounding area will see an increased number of officers on the roadways for the program starting early in the morning on Monday, May 31 and ending at midnight.
