Iowa Has More Drunk Driving Deaths Than Most States But That May Soon Change
By Beth|Published December 13, 2016
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Beth
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A lifelong Virginia resident, Beth loves exploring different parts of the world and currently resides in Charlottesville. She holds a degree in English Literature and one of her short stories has been featured in the Shenandoah Review. Other interests include hiking, songwriting, and spending time in the mountains.
The state of Iowa is taking a good hard look at its drunk driving policies.
Following yet another devastating case earlier this year, officials have decided to implement regulations which will take a new approach to the problem of intoxicated driving. Rather than only reprimanding drunk drivers after the fact, new policies hope to tackle the problem straight at the source, preventing the incident in the first place. Here’s more on “Place of Last Drink” programs and others which hope to tackle this troubling issue in Iowa.
Iowa State Troopers have been noticing a rise in traffic fatalities: a startling 350 compared to last year's 340. The reason for the increase is most certainly drunk driving, officials say.
It was one case in particular that really caused the momentum on policy change. On March 26th, a heavily-intoxicated driver drove the wrong way on Interstate 80, causing a fiery crash that killed two Des Moines officers, an inmate they were transporting, and the driver himself.
Iowa Governor Branstad was faced with the question on everyone’s mind: how can we prevent these accidents in the future? The Traffic Safety Bureau got to work immediately, developing no less than 66 proposals on prevention, implementation, and enforcement.
The truth is that Iowa has a higher amount of drunk driving fatalities than most states. And an alarming 26% of impaired drivers have been convicted with the same charge before.
The rise of craft beer combined with the characteristically rural windy roads in Iowa is only part of of the problem. Another major issue is the businesses which continue to over-serve intoxicated drivers.
This is where the Place of Last Drink policy would come into play. The coalition hopes to enforce laws which discourage businesses from over-serving guests. Liquor licenses will be taken away from any businesses which have caused problems.
Another goal of the coalition is mandatory training for bartenders. Such programs, which are currently optional, help bartenders detect underage drinkers and prevent intoxication.
And, of course, the police will continue to patrol for drunk drivers. Law enforcement officers will receive top-notch training in being able to detect intoxicated driving.
Iowa is not alone in mourning the loss of lives caused by drunk driving, but its new policies may influence the way other states tackle this problem in the future. In the midst of devastating tragedy, hope of preventing further loss in the future is sometimes all there is. What are your thoughts on the matter? Feel free to share with us in the comments below.
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