The Indianola Police Department is conducting a targeted enforcement project for under the influence drivers for next week, coinciding with Cinco de Mayo. According to an Indianola Police Department press release, Cinco de Mayo is a day enjoyed by many to celebrate Mexican culture with themed food and drink, and it has become widely recognized as a popular celebration in the US, however approximately one-third of motor vehicle crashes on May 5th involve an impaired driver, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

The Indianola Police Department is teaming up with the Carlisle Police Department and the Iowa State Patrol to have an increased number of traffic enforcement units out on the roadways. This targeted enforcement is funded through a grant provided by the Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau.

The goal of the increased enforcement project is to intercept motorists who are operating while under the influence and remove them from roadways, as well as reminding motorists to keep vehicle speeds down, to make sure occupants are wearing seatbelts and that drivers are obeying all traffic safety laws. The Indianola Police Department encourages everyone celebrating Cinco de Mayo to do so responsibly by planning ahead and designating a sober driver to ensure everyone’s safety.