Since Aug. 15, law enforcement has been out on Iowa’s roadways in higher numbers as part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau’s (GTSB) end-of-summer enforcement program targeting impaired driving. Coordinator Todd Olmstead says, “Impaired driving can take many forms, and our law enforcement officers and Drug Recognition Experts (DRE) are trained to identify all kinds of impairment. Whether it’s alcohol or drugs, law enforcement can and will identify and stop impaired drivers when they see them.” Labor Day marks the unofficial end of the summer season, and many Iowans take advantage of the long weekend to take one last vacation or trip to the lake or campgrounds. While law enforcement says there is nothing wrong with celebrating, getting behind the wheel of a vehicle will land you behind bars, especially over the holiday weekend. According to the GTSB, Iowa recorded 45 fatalities on the state’s roadways from Aug. 1 to Sept. 1, 2024, and nearly 30 percent of those deaths were attributed to some form of impaired driving. Officials recommend planning ahead before heading out to your celebrations. Designate a sober driver from our group if possible. Alternatively, take advantage of taxis or rideshare services rather than risking time behind bars, and more importantly, your life and the lives of others on the road.
