Jackson County law enforcement agencies will target underage drinking during a special traffic enforcement effort on Friday. 

A safety check point will be conducted west of Preston on Highway 64 at mile marker 49 from 8 to 10 p.m.  

Drivers are advised to watch for traffic control signs and to follow the directions of the officers at the event.

“Our officers are always committed to everyone’s safety, but we’re especially thankful for this special enforcement effort to protect Jackson County Residents,” said Iowa Partnerships for Success Coordinator Julie Furne. “Impaired driving is one of the most serious traffic risks in our country and kills thousands every year.” 

According to Iowa law, it is illegal to drive while under the influence of alcohol or street drugs. If blood alcohol concentration (BAC) is tested and found to be .08 percent or more, violators will be arrested. For those under 21 years old the limit is 0.02 percent. 

According to the U.S. Surgeon General, about 5,000 people under the age of 21 die each year as a result of underage drinking. This includes about 1,900 deaths from motor vehicle accidents. This effort sends the message that Jackson County has a zero-tolerance policy toward underage drinking. 

Law Enforcement participants in the event are the Iowa State Patrol, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, and Maquoketa, Bellevue, and Sabula police departments.

The safety checkpoint is being funded by an Iowa Partnerships for Success Grant funded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Center for Substance Abuse Prevention and is administered by the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) to help reduce underage and underage binge drinking. The area Substance Abuse Council (ASAC) was awarded the grant.

For more about underage drinking, visit http://www.whatdoyouthrowaway.org/