The Iowa State Patrol is asking travelers to take precautions or reschedule their plans to get to their destination safely this holiday weekend. 

Iowa State Patrol Public Information Officer Sergeant Alex Dinkla says the Christmas holiday season is a busy time for travel but the recent winter storm has added another element to driving safely. Dinkla explains that there will be an increased number of law enforcement  presence on the roadways, not just looking for motorists under the influence, but helping those stuck in the elements. 

“Like any holiday when we would increase enforcement this snow storm has the exact same thing of bringing more officers on the roadways so we can make sure we can get to stranded motorists in time so they are not more exposed to the conditions than they need to be.”

Dinkla encourages many travelers during this time to look at rescheduling their travel plans until the roads are clear. He also advises motorists that are going to be on the roads to drive slowly, wear their seat belt and not to be distracted.