As preparations for end of summer and holiday weekend celebrations take shape, planning ahead for a sober ride should be number one on your to-do list. Last year, in the final four weeks of summer, 36 people died on roadways in Iowa; One third of those fatalities were caused by impaired driving*. Taking a few extra minutes to arrange a safe and sober ride can literally be a lifesaving decision.
The Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau (GTSB) is partnering with law enforcement statewide to support enforcement efforts aimed at decreasing impaired driving. From August 19-September 7, agencies are participating in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over high-visibility enforcement project. During this time, the public will see an increased presence of officers working together to remove impaired drivers from the road.
“Impaired driving isn’t just drunk driving- Whether it’s alcohol or drugs, Law Enforcement officers and Drug Recognition Experts (DRE) are trained to identify impairment, and will stop impaired drivers when they see them,” says DRE State Coordinator Brad Walter.
Make sure everyone you’re celebrating with has a safe way home by designating a sober driver, calling a taxi/rideshare service, or using a community sober ride program if available. If you see or suspect an impaired driver/rider on the road, contact local law enforcement.
GTSB works with city, county, state, and local organizations to develop and implement strategies to reduce deaths and injuries on Iowa’s roadways using federally funded grants. Find graphics and information to support our message here.
*Source: Iowa DOT Crash Analysis Tool, August 1- September 1, 2025.
