Hundreds of law enforcement agencies across the state, including the Pella Police Department, will be on the look-out for impaired drivers this weekend as part of a special Traffic Enforcement Program (sTEP) that began earlier this week. Last year, five fatality accidents occurred in Iowa around the St. Patrick’s Day holiday, two of which were determined to be alcohol-related.

This year’s sTEP wave began on Wednesday and will run through Saturday night. Colonel Pat Hoye with the Iowa State Patrol recommends Iowans to plan a safe way home before any St. Patrick’s Day festivities begin and to never drive or let someone else drive that is under the influence of alcohol. Hoye also encourages other motorists not to hesitate to contact their local law enforcement if they see a drunk driver on the road.

The initiative is made possible by funds from the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau (GTSB), which allows agencies like the Pella Police Department to enlist the help of additional officers to patrol traffic and keep motorists safe.