Beginning July 2^nd and continuing through July 8^th, law enforcement in Iowa and across the nation will step up their enforcement efforts to curtail impaired driving during the Independence Day holiday week, as part of the ongoing “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” crackdown.  The goal is to find and arrest impaired drivers who put themselves and others at risk.

During last year’s four-day STEP (or, Special Traffic Enforcement Program) enforcement wave, Iowa officers made 455 drunken driving contacts, and more than 12,700 traffic violations were reported by 225 law enforcement agencies across the state.   During the official three-day holiday, six fatalities occurred on Iowa roadways.

Iowa law enforcement agencies across the state are strongly urging all motorists to buckle up; slow down; and if you decide to drink, be responsible and designate a sober driver so everyone can enjoy a safe 4^th of July holiday.   The goal is to make the roads safer for everyone.

For more on the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over mobilization, please visit www.nhtsa.gov.