The Iowa State Patrol is partnering with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to reduce impaired drivers on roadways for the rest of the year. 

This year’s special Traffic Enforcement Program’s (sTEP) motto is “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over.”  Iowa State Patrol District 4 Resource Officer Shelby McCreedy says that their goal this season is to maintain the level of safety Iowans have seen in the past.

“Historically in Iowa, Christmas is one of the safer holidays. Over the last five years, there’s been a total of 10 fatalities on our roadways. In 2019, there was only one fatal crash. Christmas historically has been a fairly safe holiday stretch for us and our intent is to keep it that way.”

McCreedy says since the Christmas holiday falls on a Friday that could increase the risk of individuals driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The sTEP program is in effect until January 1.