As the holiday travel season picks up, the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau (GTSB) is urging Iowans to plan ahead and avoid impaired driving through its annual “Decide to Ride” campaign. While most drivers do not get behind the wheel after drinking, impaired driving remains a leading cause of deadly crashes in Iowa. According to the Iowa Department of Transportation’s (DOT) composite data, approximately 37 percent of fatal crashes in the state involve some form of chemical impairment. To reduce risks, state and local law enforcement agencies will conduct extra patrols through Jan. 1, 2026, as part of their high-visibility enforcement effort, supported by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). GTSB Bureau Chief Brett Tjepkes says, “Drunk driving isn’t just dangerous, it’s illegal. We need every driver to commit to keeping the roads free of drunk drivers so that everyone can have a safe holiday season.” Officials encourage drivers to designate a sober driver, use taxis or rideshare services, or take advantage of local sober ride programs.
