New Coalition to Tackle Iowa Drunk Driving

Iowa appears to be losing ground in its efforts to curb drunk driving. Fatalities attributed to driving while intoxicated climbed to 123 last year and drunk drivers caused nearly 40 percent of all Iowa traffic fatalities.

Despite the increase in drunk driving fatalities over previous years, Iowa license revocation has dropped even as the number of drunk driving incidences grow. Some attribute this to reduced law enforcement due to budget cuts and would like to see more funding put toward increased law enforcement efforts across the state.

Others believe the solution to drunk driving would be to require ignition interlock devices for first time offenders. Interlock devices prevent those with an unacceptable BAC from starting their cars keeping Iowa roads safer. Currently 23 states have mandatory ignition interlock provisions for all levels of intoxicated driving – Iowa requires the devices for repeat offenders only.

In response to the growing problem, officials announced today the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau’s first-of-its-kind-in-Iowa Impaired Driving Coalition in an effort to reduce impaired driving across the state.

The task force which includes members of various organizations such as the Department of Public Safety, Department of Corrections, the DOT and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration will review existing Iowa laws, data and programs and propose a coordinated plan to stop impaired driving.

If you or a family member has been injured in an Iowa drunk driving accident, contact the Law Offices of John T. Hemminger for help today. Attorney Hemminger has handled personal injury and wrongful death litigation for more than 30 years. He has the trial and bargaining experience to help you reach a settlement that will compensate you for your injuries and punish those responsible.

Source: KCCI, “New state, county, city plan to target impaired drivers across Iowa”, May 9, 2016.