State and local law officers are using federal funds to increase their presence on the highways during the Christmas and New Year holidays. Iowa Department of Public Safety Commissioner Kevin Techau says they’re focusing on drunken and drugged drivers. He says, “Be careful, law enforcement will be out there protecting our highways. So do the right thing, don’t’ drink and drive, buckle up, use a designated driver.”
Techau says Iowa ranked second in the nation last year for fewest number of alcohol related fatalities. Techau says if there’s one stat we need to improve on, it’s young drivers that’re the victims of alcohol-related fatalities. He says young drivers are seven times more likely to be involved in an alcohol-related fatal accident than older drivers. Techau says it’s up to younger drivers to be responsible too.
He says, “For all young Iowans, take the message, don’t drink and drive, be careful and buckle up.” The governor has declared December as “Drunk and Drugged Driving Prevention Month.”