The Iowa State Patrol will be stepping up efforts and increasing the number of troopers on roadways this Fourth of July holiday weekend as thousands of Iowans are expected to travel. The Fourth of July holiday weekend is typically one of the most heavily traveled times of the year and officials with the Iowa State Patrol want to remind motorists to obey all traffic laws. Officers will be looking for seat belt violations, speeding violations, impaired and distracted drivers.

“It is very important that all drivers make safety their number one priority as they travel this weekend,” stated Colonel Garrison of the Iowa State Patrol. “Simply buckling up and obeying the posted speed limits could ultimately help reduce any crashes and especially any fatalities.”

In 2013, 6 fatalities were reported on Iowa roadways over the Fourth of July holiday weekend.