The Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau is reminding the motoring public, during May 19th – June 1st, Iowa law enforcement agencies will be participating in the National “Click or Ticket” campaign. In an attempt to save lives and reduce serious injury crashes, local, county and state enforcement officers will be out in force making sure everyone is buckled up.

Sergeant Scott Bright, Public Information Officer for the Iowa Department of Public Safety, advises that “The two seconds it takes to buckle up increases your odds by nearly 50% of surviving a crash. There is nothing so simple or easy that can make such a life saving difference. During 2013, there were 317 fatalities in Iowa, a record low but still too many needless deaths. We are continually looking for ways to make a difference,” says Noble.

Last year, during the Memorial Day holiday, Iowa had 3 traffic fatalities, two of which were alcohol related. During the sTEP enforcement wave, there were 31,480 total traffic violations, including 12,450 speed, 2630 seat belt and 530 OWI stops.

The Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau continues to stress to the motoring public the importance of buckling up, slowing down and the need to drive sober to increase the odds of preventing or at least surviving a crash. Buckle up, be safe and enjoy your Memorial Day holiday.

The next sTEP enforcement event will be July 1st – 7th.