Local law enforcement to participate in sTEP event

Beginning March 17 and continuing through March 20, Iowa law enforcement will be out in force looking for traffic violators as part of the Special Traffic Enforcement Program (sTEP). This enforcement event is one component in a statewide project to help change driver behavior and encourage motorists to obey traffic laws with an emphasis on buckling up, slowing down and driving sober. During the same effort in 2010, law enforcement reported three traffic fatalities.
Far too many lives are lost each day on Iowa roadways because drivers and passengers don’t obey traffic laws. In January 2011, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation, of the 16 recorded traffic fatalities, 10, or nearly 77%, were not wearing their safety belts. Something as simple as taking three seconds to "Reach, Pull and Buckle" could save 50% of those fatal and serious injuries resulting from crashes where occupants were not buckled.
Locally, the New Albin, Postville, and Waukon Police Departments will be participating in this wave in an attempt to lessen accidents and injuries due to unsafe vehicle operation within the area.
The next sTEP enforcement project will occur May 25-June 5. For additional information, go to www.iowagtsb.org or www.nhtsa.dot.gov.