The Benton County Sheriff’s Office as part of their grant from the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau participated in the May 21st – June 3rd 2012 sTEP enforcement wave The focus of this project is both public awareness and saturation patrol in an effort to reduce serious injuries and fatalities on Iowa roadways.

Through increased awareness and enforcement activities Iowa fatalities for 2011 were at record lows. Unfortunately 2012 has had a profoundly deadly beginning. Excessive speed, impaired driving and occupants being ejected from vehicles are leading contributing factors in Iowa fatalities and serious injury accidents.

Our goal is to reduce serious injuries and fatalities through public awareness and proactive enforcement of the traffic laws. We encourage drivers to obey the speed limit, not to drive while impaired and to wear their seatbelts.

Deputies issued (36) citations, (65) warnings, investigated (8) accidents and assisted (15) motorists with various problems. Deputies made (2) O.W.I., (2) drug related and (1) driving while revoked arrests. Deputies also served (8) arrest warrants.