FOLLOWING a tragic incident, law enforcement has cautioned drivers about a new crackdown that could result in fines and jail time.
Officials are flooding the roads in a massive push to stop impaired drivers through Labor Day weekend.
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Forty-five people died on Iowa roadways during the final four weeks of summer in 2023.
Nearly 30% of those deadly crashes were caused by impaired drivers, as reported by Newton News.
To fight back, the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau (GTSB) is joining forces with agencies statewide.
From August 13 through September 1, motorists will notice a surge in patrols as part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign.
The crackdown is timed around Labor Day, when drunk-driving deaths typically spike.
In every state except Utah, a BAC of .08 or higher is considered drunk driving — in Utah, the limit is .05.
“Impaired driving can take many forms, and our law enforcement officers and Drug Recognition Experts are trained to identify all kinds of impairment,” DRE State Coordinator Todd Olmstead said.
“Whether it’s alcohol or drugs, law enforcement can and will identify and stop impaired drivers when they see them.”
Officials stressed that making a plan for a sober ride can save lives.
That could mean designating a sober driver, calling a rideshare, or using a local sober ride program.
If you spot a driver who looks impaired, call 911 immediately, authorities urged.
Hosts are also being warned not to let guests get behind the wheel after drinking.
And buckling up remains the best defense against impaired drivers, according to the GTSB.
Experts say alcohol’s effects on driving start earlier than most people think.
What is reckless driving?
Laws across the country are cracking down on careless drivers who endanger other people on the road. Here are some behaviors that are considered reckless driving:
- Speeding
- Street racing
- Aggressive driving/road rage
- Tailgating
- Driving under the influence
- Using a phone while driving
- Running red lights
- Inattentive driving
- Improperly changing lanes
- Not signaling
- Carrying too many passengers
- Weaving in and out of traffic
At just .02, vision blurs and multitasking behind the wheel becomes harder.
By .05, steering feels sloppy and coordination begins to slip.
At .08 (the legal limit), reaction times slow, speed control vanishes, and focus deteriorates.
And at .15, drivers are practically out of control, with dangerously poor attention and handling.
The GTSB says it’s working with city, county, and state agencies using federal grants to stop tragedies before they happen.
Their warning this summer is to drive sober this Labor Day or get pulled over.
