AAA is predicting a record number of drivers on the nation’s roadways this Fourth of July weekend, saying 36 million people will be taking to the highways. And, according to the Iowa State Patrol, this weekend is one of the most dangerous for Iowa drivers. The Patrol has seen a 20 percent increase in speeding tickets issued over the past three years during July, and though it is hard to pinpoint a reason why speeds increase during the month, long-distance travel and favorable weather conditions are big contributors. This year, in particular, has been a busy one for Iowa law enforcement, who have seen car accident fatalities increase to 170, 42 more than this same time last year. As a part of the STEP (Special Traffic Enforcement Project) initiatives, the Iowa State Patrol will be teaming up with the Carroll County Sheriff’s Office to put more units on the roadways. The goal is to use law enforcement’s presence as a deterrent to breaking traffic laws, and creating safer roadways so everyone can enjoy a happy Fourth of July weekend.
