Numerous area law enforcement agencies are currently participating in a Special Traffic Enforcement Program, or STEP, from now through Nov. 25th.  Deputies and officers will be on the lookout for unsafe drivers, equipment and moving violations. The goal is to keep our roads as safe as possible over the Thanksgiving travel period. Authorities will be specifically on the lookout for seat belt violations, child restraint violations, speeders, reckless drivers and drivers under the influence of alcohol or narcotics.

The Iowa Department of Public Safety says “Whether you’re driving across the street or across the country to reach your Thanksgiving feast, it’s imperative to wear your seat belt as you travel.  Increased traffic brings an increased possibility of a traffic crash.”

SEAT BELTS WORK!

• Proper seat belt use reduces the risk of fatal injury to front seat passengers by 45 percent and the risk of moderate to serious injury by 50 percent.
• Males are more likely to be unbuckled than females in fatal crashes.
• Younger drivers are also at greater risk of being unbuckled.  The 13 – 15 age group had the highest percentage (62 percent) of occupants killed who were not wearing their seat belts at the time of the crash.
• If you are ejected from a vehicle in a crash, odds are that you will not survive.  In 2016, 8 out of 10 (81%) people who were totally ejected from vehicles were killed; only 1 percent of occupants wearing seat belts were ejected in fatal crashes.
• There were 4 Iowans killed in traffic crashes over the 2017 Thanksgiving weekend, a reduction of 2 from 2016.

Whether you’re a passenger or the driver, riding long distances or short, please buckle your seat belt.  Doing so ensures everyone arrives safely to their Thanksgiving destinations.  The Department of Public Safety and the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau ask, “Won’t you wear yours?”  Your loved ones will be grateful.