There have been 329 traffic fatalities in Iowa so far this year and motorists are reminded to drive safely this holiday weekend.
If you’re celebrating the New Year and consuming alcohol, have a designated driver set up ahead of time with a safe way home. Washington County Sheriff Jared Schneider is reminding people to drive safely, “We’ll be out on the roadways to keep you safe during this holiday weekend. Please help us by remembering to drive safely, be patient in getting to your destination, don’t drink and drive, don’t text and drive, and always wear your seat belt.”
According to the Iowa Department of Public Safety, the approximate cost for an OWI infraction is $4,435. Also according to the department, in Iowa alcohol is second only to excessive speed as a contributing factor in overall traffic crashes and during 2014, 32% of Iowa’s total traffic fatalities were alcohol-related.