"Drive Sober" Campaign Targets Drunk and Impaired Drivers

The Waukee Police Department, in conjunction with Iowa law enforcement and agencies nationwide, are cracking down on drunk and impaired drivers beginning August 25 through September 7.

The campaign, dubbed “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over,” means to take drunk or impaired drivers off the road and out of harm’s way.

Data released by the Iowa Department of Transportation states that in Iowa in 2009, there were 371 fatalities with 92 of those resulting from an alcohol-related crash. Across the country, 10,839 people died in crashes in which a driver was at or above the .08 legal blood alcohol limit.

Waukee Police Chief Larry Phillips said the Waukee Police would have additional officers on patrol to support the nationwide initiative.

“It depends on what we see and hear,” Phillips said. “We will have two additional officers on top of our normal staffing. Most likely we will have more out during the evening.”

The dates for the campaign just so happen to coincide with WaukeeFest, as well as Labor Day. Phillips said officers on duty will be mindful of the additional activity taking place those weekends.

“In Waukee, we do fairly well,” Phillips said. “There are always a few people that make bad choices and don’t use common sense, but most of our residents do very well.”

During last year’s traffic enforcement period, Iowa law enforcement agencies handed out more than 35,000 traffic violations during the 15 day effort. 

For more information, check out the “Drive Sober” campaign website.