The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is asking residents to “Celebrate with a Plan” this 4th of July weekend. The sheriff’s office says with increased traffic, travel, and festivities the July 4th holiday season tends to be one of the deadliest holidays of the year on the roadway.

During the 2017 July 4th holiday period 601 people died in motor vehicle crashes nationally, or, an average of 134 per day. During that same time there were four fatalities on Iowa roads. 

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 60 percent of those who died in alcohol related crashes were in vehicles involving a driver with a Blood Alcohol Content of .15 or higher, almost two times the legal limit of .08. Law enforcement agencies across Iowa will be participating in the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign from July 3rd to July 7th In an effort to combat drunk driving deputies will be exhibiting zero tolerance for impaired drivers.