[simage=390,400,y,center]

Law enforcement agencies across the state, including those patrolling Marion County, will be on the look-out for intoxicated drivers for the remainder of the week during the St. Patrick’s Day Holiday. National Highway Transportation Safety Administration statistics show that in 2008, there were 134 fatality accidents on St. Patrick’s Day – 50 of which involved legally impaired drivers. In Iowa during last year’s special Traffic Enforcement Program (sTEP) at this time, there were five traffic fatalities, two of which were alcohol related.

In order to avoid more loss of life due to drunken driving, the Pella Police Department and other law enforcement agencies in Marion County will step up enforcement from Wednesday through Saturday. Funds from the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau (GTSB) will allow for additional traffic patrol. Law enforcement is reminding St. Patrick’s Day revelers to plan a safe way home before festivities, and to never drive – or let others drive – when impaired.