Last 4th of July weekend in Iowa there were zero traffic fatalities. Officials say while that is always the goal, it is a rarity. This holiday weekend is traditionally one of the deadliest nationwide for traffic related fatalities. Last year over the 4th of July holiday, 164 people died nationwide in accidents that involved at least one driver with a blood alcohol level higher than .08.

There will be extra officers out on the roadways this weekend as well. The Iowa State Patrol, city police and sheriff's offices will have over 180 extra officers on duty over the weekend to watch for drunk drivers, speeders and drowsy and distracted drivers. Officials say they hope the extra officers will be a deterrent to bad behavior.

A total of 320 fatalities were reported on Iowa roadways last year. That's one of the lowest totals in the nation. Officials want to lower that number and repeat last year's 4th of July weekend total of ZERO. Remember, slow down, don't drink and drive and ARRIVE ALIVE this holiday weekend!

 

[via Gazette]

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