(Des Moines) Iowa is seeing an increase in traffic-related deaths. This year, there have been about 358 deaths, nearly 13 percent more than in the last five years. Sergeant Alex Dinkla, an information officer with the Iowa State Patrol, says about 60 percent of deaths came from people failing to put their seatbelts on. Dinkla adds that distractions are a significant cause as people still use their cell phones while driving. He reminds Iowans to be responsible behind the wheel to ensure the safety of others and themselves.
Starting today, the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau (GTSB) is partnering with law enforcement across Iowa to urge drivers to think twice before drinking and driving. From now until January 1, 2024, drivers will see officers working on a high-visibility enforcement campaign to spread the message about the dangers of drunk driving.
More parties and festivities celebrating the season bring out more drunk drivers. In 2022, preliminary data shows that 35% of Iowa’s fatal crashes involved an impaired driver. Last December, almost 1,100 drivers were charged with OWI on Iowa roads. About 25% of those were 2nd and 3rd offenses. Impaired drivers endanger both themselves and other drivers. GTSB and law enforcement urge drivers to always plan before heading out to celebrate.
Many options are available to help impaired drivers get home safely, such as designating a sober driver or calling a taxi or rideshare. If available, use your community’s sober ride program. Remember: a few dollars spent on a ride is much cheaper than an OWI conviction, which can cost up to $10,000. Plan before you head out for the evening. If you see an impaired driver on the road, do not hesitate to contact law enforcement.
