The Polk County Sheriff’s Office said it is busy handling drivers who think the COVID-19 pandemic gives them a license to speed.On Tuesday, Polk County law enforcement agencies held a news conference to announce an increase in traffic enforcement.The Iowa State Patrol said speeding citations over 100 mph are up 46% despite a 50% decrease in traffic volume. The Iowa State Patrol said Iowans were cited driving as fast as 147 mph in April. “We don't want to write you a citation, but we're not afraid to write you a citation,” Polk County Sheriff Kevin Schneider said.Starting Tuesday, drivers will see more officers and troopers on interstates and major roadways.“We want to ultimately balance public safety and personal exposure while partnering with our public safety partners to raise awareness on this concerning trend,” Iowa State Patrol Col. Nathan Fulk said.Troopers also reported a 15% increase in crashes in the last seven days.The Iowa State Patrol said drivers will notice the new enforcement initiative, especially during the Friday evening commute. “We ask the public to side with us,” Fulk said. “We ask you to put your phone down, buckle up and slow down. Our goal is to make sure that you make it home safely.”Authorities said the increase in speeding in Iowa is consistent with a dangerous nationwide trend.According to troopers, a common excuse given by motorists for speeding is they do not think law enforcement is patrolling because of the coronavirus.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office said it is busy handling drivers who think the COVID-19 pandemic gives them a license to speed.

On Tuesday, Polk County law enforcement agencies held a news conference to announce an increase in traffic enforcement.


The Iowa State Patrol said speeding citations over 100 mph are up 46% despite a 50% decrease in traffic volume.

The Iowa State Patrol said Iowans were cited driving as fast as 147 mph in April.

“We don't want to write you a citation, but we're not afraid to write you a citation,” Polk County Sheriff Kevin Schneider said.

Starting Tuesday, drivers will see more officers and troopers on interstates and major roadways.

“We want to ultimately balance public safety and personal exposure while partnering with our public safety partners to raise awareness on this concerning trend,” Iowa State Patrol Col. Nathan Fulk said.

Troopers also reported a 15% increase in crashes in the last seven days.

The Iowa State Patrol said drivers will notice the new enforcement initiative, especially during the Friday evening commute.

“We ask the public to side with us,” Fulk said. “We ask you to put your phone down, buckle up and slow down. Our goal is to make sure that you make it home safely.”

Authorities said the increase in speeding in Iowa is consistent with a dangerous nationwide trend.

According to troopers, a common excuse given by motorists for speeding is they do not think law enforcement is patrolling because of the coronavirus.