August 12, 2025
DES MOINES, Iowa - Last year, in the final four weeks of summer, 45 people died on roadways in Iowa; Nearly 30% of those fatalities were caused by impaired driving*. The Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau (GTSB) is partnering with law enforcement across the state in enforcement efforts aimed at decreasing impaired driving. August 15-September 1, agencies are participating in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over high-visibility enforcement project. During this time, the public will see an increased presence of officers working together to remove impaired drivers/motorcycle riders from the road.
“Impaired driving can take many forms, and our law enforcement officers and Drug Recognition Experts (DRE) are trained to identify all kinds of impairment. Whether it’s alcohol or drugs, law enforcement can and will identify and stop impaired drivers when they see them,” says DRE State Coordinator Todd Olmstead.
Making a plan for a sober ride can be a lifesaving decision. Designate a sober driver if you need a ride, or call a taxi/rideshare service. If available, use your community’s sober ride program. If you see or suspect an impaired driver/rider on the road, contact local law enforcement.
GTSB works with city, county, state, and local organizations to develop and implement strategies to reduce deaths and injuries on Iowa’s roadways using federally funded grants.
Find graphics and information to support our message here.
Source: *August 1-September 1, 2024, Iowa DOT, Iowa Crash Analysis Tool
If you would like further information or would like to inquire about media requests, please contact Nicole Hassenstab with GTSB at hassenstab@dps.state.ia.us, or 515-321-7267.
The Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau works with city, county, state, and local organizations to develop and implement strategies to reduce death and injury on Iowa roads using federally funded grants.
Source: Iowa Department of Transportation
ABOUT THE IOWA DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
The Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS) is the largest law enforcement agency in the state. It includes seven divisions and several bureaus, all working together with local, state, and federal government agencies and the private sector to keep Iowa a safe place by following our core values: leadership, integrity, professionalism, courtesy, service, and protection. Divisions within the Iowa DPS: Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement, Iowa State Patrol, Iowa State Fire Marshal Division, Iowa Division of Intelligence and Fusion Center, Professional Development and Support Services Division, and Administrative Services Division. The Department of Public Safety is led by the Commissioner who is appointed by the Governor.
Iowa Department of Public Safety
215 E. 7th St.
Des Moines, IA 50319
215 E 7th St
Des Moines, IA 50319