State Patrol ready for Independence Day drivers

Today is the first travel day of the Fourth of July weekend and the Iowa State Patrol is gearing up for the increased traffic. Sergeant Dave Garrison says Iowa is again participating in the “CARE” program.CARE stands for Combined Accident Reduction Effort. Garrison says the patrol puts 70 extra officers on the road as part of the CARE effort.Garrison says they focus on speeders and drunk drivers. They’ll also be checking to be sure you’re buckled up. While it’ll be crowded on the roadways today, Garrison says Tuesday could be the busiest day.Garrison says you can help the patrol by reporting erratic drivers or traffic problems to the patrol at 800-525-5555. Or you can dial “star five-five” (*55) on your cell phone.