Expect increased law enforcement over 4th of July holiday

To combat the impaired driving problem over the Fourth of July holiday, there will be increased law enforcement on roads in Winneshiek County and throughout Iowa from Sunday through Wednesday.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports that in 2016 (the latest year in which data is available) 188 people were killed in crashes involving at least one driver or motorcycle operator with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher. This is a 28 percent increase from 2015 when there were 146 fatalities.

An analysis by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety showed that on average, more people die in motor vehicle crashes on July 4th than any other day of the year. The study found that motorcycles and alcohol were both big contributors.

The Decorah Police Department and the Governor's Traffic Safety Bureau are reminding the public that the best way to protect yourself in any crash is to be wearing your seat belt.