If you are planning to go out and party this St. Patrick's Day, area law enforcement agencies urge you to take precautions, such as getting a "Designated O'Driver" to take you home.


The Iowa Department of Public Safety and the Iowa Governor's Traffic Safety Bureau suggest that you find a designated, sober driver, before you make plans to go out and drink. Or use the AAA (Triple A) "Tow to Go" program, which will provide you and your vehicle a safe trip home.

Even though there were no traffic fatalities in the state of Iowa during the St. Patrick's Day holiday last year, it is still one of the deadliest holidays on our nation's roads.

Last year in Iowa, authorities responded to over 450 accident scenes, which resulted in more than 750 injuries. 16 of those injuries were serious.

Data shows that the most serious accidents on St. Patrick's day happen between midnight and 6am.

Wearing your seat belt, which is the law, will also provide the most protection in a crash.

Many law enforcement agencies will also be participating in a Special Traffic Enforcement Program, or "STEP" from now through March 18th. Officers will be especially watchful for drunk drivers, seat belt use, and speeders.

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