If you’re planning to be on the roads this Independence Day, please drive safely. For the latest on road conditions, traffic and construction, visit www.511ia.org.
Half of the traffic fatalities on Iowa roads during last year’s Fourth of July holiday were alcohol related, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation. In an effort to keep everyone safe as they travel this year, more than 250 city, county and state law enforcement agencies across Iowa will be on the roads in a special Traffic Enforcement Program from July 1 to 7.
Ultimately, the goal is zero fatalities. A new “Zero Fatalities” program aims to focus more attention on Iowa’s traffic fatalities and find solutions to end them. Last year, 317 people died on our roads and another 129 have died so far in 2014. To bring those numbers down, we all must give our full attention to driving when we’re behind the wheel. That means buckling up, slowing down, focusing on the road, staying alert and driving sober—during the 4th of July and all year long.