Et cetera : The Gift of Traffic Safety

The holiday season is a time for togetherness and we at the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau (GTSB), want everyone to get home to their loved ones safely. While most Iowans never drive after drinking, impaired driving is a leading cause of deadly crashes with an average of 37% of fatality crashes being impaired-related.  

To keep everyone safe on our roads, state and local law enforcement will be conducting extra patrols supporting the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) high-visibility enforcement campaign through January 1, 2026, to spread the message about the dangers of impaired driving. 

“Drunk driving isn’t just dangerous, it’s illegal,” says GTSB Bureau Chief Brett Tjepkes. “We need every driver to commit to keeping the roads free of drunk drivers so that everyone can have a safe holiday season.” 

There are many options to get home safely, such as designating a sober driver or calling a taxi or rideshare. If available, use your community’s sober ride program. Remember: a few dollars spent on a ride is a lot cheaper than an OWI conviction. Plan ahead so you don’t ruin the celebrations, and if you see an impaired driver on the road, do not hesitate to contact law enforcement. 

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.