Des Moines, IA- The Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau is partnering with law enforcement across Iowa through March 21st to remind drivers that buzzed driving is drunk driving.
According to a news release, St. Patrick’s Day is one of the nation’s most popular holidays, celebrated with festivals, parades, and parties. These celebrations frequently feature alcoholic drinks, and the amount of alcohol consumed is higher than average.
Due to St. Patrick’s Day being on a Sunday, the GTSB anticipates that alcohol consumption will increase throughout the weekend, and ask that everyone celebrates responsibly.
Last March, there were 26 traffic fatalities on Iowa roads, and almost 40% of those occurred the week of St. Patrick’s Day (March 11-19, 2023).
GTSB Bureau Chief Brett Tjepkes says, “Don’t turn a day of fun into a tragic and devastating time by driving while intoxicated. It’s vital people plan ahead. If you wait until you’ve been drinking to make a smart decision, you might not. Designate a sober driver, call a taxi, or use a rideshare service. Our law enforcement partners will be looking for impaired drivers.”
The GTSB advises residents to plan ahead and assign a designated driver, call a taxi, or use a rideshare service such as Lyft or Uber.
