By Edward Lynn
Editor
DES MOINES, Iowa – Iowa law enforcement agencies will be out in force over the Fourth of July holiday weekend as part of a statewide effort to prevent traffic fatalities, with a special focus on impaired driving.
The Fourth of July is often associated with fireworks, cookouts, and pool parties—but increasingly, it’s also linked with fatal traffic crashes. Officials are urging Iowans not only to avoid driving while impaired but to prevent friends and others from doing so as well. Motorists are encouraged to drive safely and to be alert for impaired drivers.
That’s why the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau (GTSB) announced a high-visibility enforcement campaign scheduled for July 3–7, in partnership with local law enforcement agencies across the state. While police are generally out in force over the Independence Day holiday every year, this year the initiative comes in response to troubling data. Last year’s holiday weekend saw nine traffic fatalities in Iowa, making 2024’s holiday Iowa’s deadliest Fourth of July weekend in over a decade.
“We want people to enjoy the holiday and to celebrate responsibly,” said GTSB Bureau Chief Brett Tjepkes. “Impaired driving endangers everyone, and our law enforcement partners know how to spot an impaired driver and will not hesitate to pull them over. If you’re going to drink, plan for a sober ride ahead of time.”
Planning for a safe, sober ride home that doesn’t detour through the back seat of a cop car or a crash scene is easier than you might think, the GTSB pointed out. Revelers who need help finding a ride are encourage to designate a sober driver, schedule a taxi or rideshare in advance, or take advantage of local sober ride programs.
And, to make safe choices easier, the GTSB is promoting a $10 Uber voucher offered by Doll Distributing through its Decide to Ride program. The voucher is valid statewide beginning at 5 p.m. on July 3 and ending at 2 a.m. on July 7. Iowans are encouraged to designate a sober driver, schedule a taxi or rideshare, or use their community’s sober ride program.
The GTSB, a division of the Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS), uses federally funded grants to partner with city, county, state, and local organizations to reduce injuries and fatalities on Iowa roadways. Iowa DPS, the state’s largest law enforcement agency, includes the Iowa State Patrol, Iowa Department of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and other divisions dedicated to maintaining public safety. And over the 4th of July weekend, they will be collaborating with local law enforcement to patrol the streets, and take drivers under the influence of drugs and alcohol into custody. So drive safe and sober, or catch a ride with someone who can.
