Holiday festivities, including cookouts and fireworks, often coincide with increased alcohol consumption and roadway travel. Historically, the July 4 weekend shows a marked rise in OWI related incidents and fatalities. In 2024, Iowa observed nine traffic fatalities during the Fourth of July weekend, with approximately 50% linked to alcohol-impaired driving. With up to half the fatalities during this time involving alcohol, Iowa plans to intensify OWI enforcement.
In preparation for the July 4 holiday, the Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS) and Iowa State Patrol coordinate a statewide high-visibility OWI enforcement campaign. This “No One’s a Good Drunk Driver” campaign coordinates efforts with the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau to curb impaired driving through highly visible patrols in Des Moines and across statewide.
Under this campaign, Iowa has deployed additional troopers throughout July 3rd – 7th as part of the statewide effort to confront impaired driving. Law enforcement focuses on saturation patrols, OWI checkpoints, and targeted enforcement, aimed at both deterring and apprehending impaired drivers. These actions aim not only to save lives but to reinforce the message that impaired driving will be rigorously enforced in the state of Iowa.
How to Prevent Getting a OWI Charge This Weekend
Because an OWI charge can come with heavy consequences that can alter the course of one’s life, it is of utmost importance to avoid getting behind the wheel while impaired. Here are some simple tips you can use to prevent yourself from ending up with an impaired driving charge during the upcoming 4th of July Weekend.
Choose Your Transportation Before You Start Drinking – If you plan to celebrate with alcohol, decide how you’ll get home before the festivities begin. Whether that means arranging a ride with a sober friend or scheduling a ride-share pickup in advance, locking in your plans early prevents risky decisions later.
Let Technology Be Your Backup – Apps like Uber, Lyft, and local taxi services are more available than ever, especially during holidays. Use them not just as a last resort, but as your first option if drinking is part of your evening.
Limit Your Drinking If You Might Need to Drive – If you’re not sure about your transportation plans, it’s best to limit your alcohol intake, or avoid it altogether. Even a couple of drinks can impair your judgment, so staying within safe limits is key.
Take Advantage of Safe Ride Initiatives – Many Iowa communities offer discounted or free ride services during major holidays. Keep an eye out for local campaigns, like those sponsored by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau, that make it easier to get home without driving drunk.
Crash on a Couch or Book a Room – Sometimes the safest option is to stay put. If you’re at a party or far from home, ask about staying overnight or consider booking a nearby hotel, it’s a small price to pay for your safety and the safety of others.
Trust Your Instincts Over Peer Opinions – If you’ve been drinking and think you shouldn’t drive, you’re probably right. Don’t let others talk you into it, your safety and a clean legal record are worth saying “no” firmly.
Hire an OWI Attorney in Iowa
If you or a loved one has been charged with an OWI offense in Des Moines Iowa, or the surrounding areas, it is important to hire a criminal defense attorney immediately. McCarthy and Hamrock, P.C can provide the legal assistance you need to ensure your case is in the right hands, and you will be getting the best representation that you deserve.
Call (515-279-9700) to request a free consultation.