The Iowa Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau is joining forces with law enforcement agencies throughout the state starting tomorrow (Saturday) to participate in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over high-visibility enforcement campaign over the holiday weekend. Statistics show that approximately one-third of all traffic fatalities nationwide are alcohol or impairment-related. According to available data, 57 percent of the traffic fatalities recorded during the 2022 Independence Day holiday weekend were alcohol-related. GTSB Bureau Chief Brett Tjepkes says, “We want people to enjoy the holiday and celebrate responsibly. Drunk driving endangers those behind the wheel, their passengers, and other people on the road. Our law enforcement partners know how to spot an impaired driver and will not hesitate to pull them over. If you’re going to drink, plan for a sober ride.” Several options are available to impaired drivers to help them get home safely. These include designating a sober driver, scheduling a taxi or rideshare service, or utilizing the sober ride program offered by their community. The cost of a ride home is a small price to pay compared to the financial and legal consequences of an OWI, which can amount to thousands of dollars. The holiday “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” initiative runs from Saturday, July 1 through Wednesday, July 5.
