The Washington County Sheriff’s Office is increasing enforcement during this holiday weekend.

Chief Deputy Shawn Ellingson says, “We hope everyone will drive safe, wear their seat belts and not drink and drive.” Across the state agencies are stepping up seat belt enforcement. According to the Iowa Department of Public Safety, Iowa’s seat belt usage rate is one of the highest in the nation at 94%, and are the single most effective way to survive in a crash. Also, the department states country driving is not safer, as nationwide in 2015 there were nearly 12,800 traffic fatalities on rural roads, compared to 8,262 on urban streets. Remember to buckle your seat belt, click it or ticket.