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HEADS UP IF YOU ARE PLANNING TO CELEBRATE ST. PATRICK’S DAY. WEST DES MOINE POLICE ARE PLANNING SPECIAL TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT. IT STARTS TOMORROW AND GOES THROUGH SUNDAY. 59 PEOPLE WERE KILLED IN DRUNK DR

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Officers from the West Des Moines Police Department in conjunction with the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau, will conduct high visibility traffic enforcement over the St. Patrick's Day Holiday Weekend, March 14 through March 17, 2019, in an effort to reduce traffic related injuries and deaths on Iowa roadways. This sTEP (special Traffic Enforcement Program) event will consist of heightened traffic enforcement for all traffic violations with the main effort to raise awareness in safety belt use and to identify those individuals who choose to drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The increased traffic enforcement is intended to serve as a reminder for drivers to obey all traffic laws and to help keep Iowa roadways safe. “One slogan I’ve heard is ‘If you feel different, you drive different’.” said West Des Moines Police Sergeant Dan Wade. “Buzzed driving does nothing but create a risk to everyone’s safety.” According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) 59 people were killed in drunk driving crashes over the 2017 St. Patrick’s Day holiday (6:00 PM March 16 to 5:59 AM March 18). “St. Patrick’s Day should be a fun holiday for our community, but we expect people to take responsibility for their actions,” said Sergeant Wade. “Whether you’re driving yourself or your friends, make sure you stay sober or plan for a sober ride home. If you plan on drinking, have a plan for not driving. Don’t let alcohol cause you to be a risk to yourself and others on the road. Drinking and driving is selfish. Remember: Buzzed Driving Is Drunk Driving.” A number of options are available for those including alcohol in their celebrations. Designated drivers, local taxis, and ride share programs can be a safe alternative to driving yourself.