Motorists traveling across southeast Iowa this Fourth of July weekend can expect to see more law enforcement on area highways and local roads as agencies participate in a statewide traffic enforcement campaign aimed at reducing crashes and impaired driving.
The Iowa Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau is partnering with law enforcement agencies across the state for a high-visibility enforcement effort running through Sunday. The campaign is designed to discourage impaired driving, speeding, distracted driving, and other dangerous behaviors during one of the busiest travel weekends of the year.
The effort comes after eight people were killed in traffic crashes during last year’s Fourth of July holiday period. The Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau says while many Iowans celebrate responsibly, preventing impaired driving is a community effort, and increased enforcement is intended to help keep everyone safe on the roads.
The extra patrols are already producing results across southeast Iowa.
In Washington County Friday evening, deputies arrested an 18-year-old Wayland man after receiving reports of a pickup truck that had entered the ditch twice near Kalona. The driver was charged with Operating While Intoxicated, failure to maintain control, leaving the scene of an accident, and possession of alcohol while under the legal age. An 18-year-old passenger was also cited for possession of alcohol under the legal age.
Earlier Friday afternoon, the Iowa State Patrol stopped a vehicle on Highway 218 near Riverside. A 34-year-old New York man was arrested on charges including possession of marijuana, reckless driving, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Troopers also issued citations for excessive speed and driving without a valid license.
Authorities also responded to several other incidents involving intoxicated individuals Friday, including a disorderly conduct call in Riverside and a domestic assault investigation in Washington in which alcohol was reported to be a factor.
As holiday celebrations continue, law enforcement agencies across southeast Iowa are reminding drivers to celebrate responsibly. If your plans include alcohol, designate a sober driver, use a rideshare or taxi, or make arrangements to stay where you are. Officials say the goal of the holiday enforcement campaign isn’t just writing tickets—it’s making sure everyone gets home safely.