The Benton County Sheriff’s Office participated in the November 19th – November 25th Thanksgiving holiday sTEP enforcement wave.  This project is part of a grant from the Governors Traffic Safety Bureau.  Sheriff Randy Forsyth received a 2012-2013 grant that provides $3,900.00 for radars and Alco-Sensors; $500.00 educational materials; and $18,400.00 for overtime patrol for a total of $22,800.00 to provide deputies the equipment and extra time to focus on traffic safety in Benton County. This grant runs through September 30, 2013.    

 

One of the program goals is to remind the public of the importance of traffic safety.  As of November 1, 2012 there have been 299 fatalities in Iowa with 37% of those not wearing seatbelts. We seek to reduce accidents through proactive enforcement, public education and awareness.  We also hope to reduce injuries and deaths by encouraging all vehicle occupants to wear their seatbelts and not to drink and drive under the influence.  

 

Deputies issued 25 citations and 30 warnings, made 2 OWI arrests; 3 driving under suspension arrests and served one arrest warrant. Deputies investigated 8 accidents and assisted 5 motorists with various problems.