Law enforcement authorities across the region will be out and about this St. Patrick’s Day holiday weekend, but likely for a different reason than most others. The increased visibility of authorities is a Special Traffic Enforcement Program (sTEP) through the Iowa Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau. Bureau Chief, Patrick Hoye says, “St. Patrick’s Day should be a fun holiday, but we expect everyone to take responsibility for their actions. Whether you’re driving yourself or your friends, make sure you stay sober or plan for a safe ride home.” Hoye reminds everyone, “It’s not just about you. There are others on the roads who want to get where they are going safely.” The increased traffic patrols are underway now through the end of the day Sunday, March 17. Officers will be focusing on a message that “green beer and driving don’t mix,” watching for drunk and drugged drivers. They will also be on the lookout for anyone not using their seatbelts. In 2017, the most recent year for which statistics are available, there were 59 fatalities nationwide, 37 percent of those involving drunk drivers. The most dangerous time to be on the roads was in the early morning hours of March 18, when 75 percent of all crash fatalities involved an impaired driver.
