Eighty citations are issued during recent STEP program

Eighty citations were issued during the recent Mt. Pleasant Police Department?s participation in the Special Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP), according to Lt. Lyle Murray of the department.

In addition to the citations, there were 226 contacts on traffic stops; 231 warnings were issued with some motorists receiving multiple warnings for infractions; four motorists were charged with operating while intoxicated (OWI); eight arrest warrants served; 36 motorist assists; and 16 accidents investigated.

In conjunction with STEP, a seat belt survey was conducted which reflected a 93 percent compliance rate.

Murray said many of the accidents were the result of not paying attention. Usage of electronic devices was the main reason for distraction. He urged motorists to not use the cell phone until you reach your destination or can pull over safely.

?Iowa?s seat belt compliance rate is 93 percent, one of the best in the nation, but too many of the state?s traffic fatalities are still unbelted,? Murray commented. ?Those are lives that could have been saved. The consequences of not buckling up are too high, don?t become a negative statistic. Always buckle up.?