Special Traffic Enforcement Program leads to 176 additional traffic citations and warnings

The Winneshiek County Sheriff's Department and the Decorah Police Department were busy in the two-week period that included Memorial Day.

Police say their "Special Traffic Enforcement Program" resulted in 176 additional traffic citations and warnings from May 21st through June 3rd.  That included seven arrests for drunk driving and 12 arrests for narcotics violations.  Two felony charges were filed, three arrest warrants were served and 11 motor vehicle accidents were investigated.  There were also 67 speeding violations and 34 seatbelt violations.

The goal of STEPs is to improve seat belt usage and safe driving habits.  A survey conducted before the start of the STEP showed 94 percent of drivers in the county and 90 percent of drivers in the city were using their seatbelts.  That figure improved to 97 percent after the STEP.