(Iowa) The Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau is partnering with law enforcement across Iowa to urge drivers to designate before you celebrate.
Shelby McCreedy, Iowa State Patrol Trooper and District 4 Public Information Officer, said during the Christmas and New Year holidays there is a high visibility enforcement campaign both through increased personnel on the roadways and through information sharing of the dangers of impaired driving.
Trooper McCreedy said in December 2023, there were 990 OWI arrests in Iowa alone.
Trooper McCreedy said last year there were eight fatalities on Iowa’s roadways around Christmas and three of those were alcohol related.
There are many options to 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 a lot 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.
