More Marked State Patrol Cars - ABC5 News Des Moines, IA

More Marked State Patrol Cars

by Phil Prazan

pprazan@myabc5.com

@PhilPrazan

The Iowa State Patrol has 70 unmarked cars now, but they're cutting that number in half.

They'll start putting on decals and lights so they seem more visible.
 
Sgt. Scott Bright from the Iowa State Patrol says the new Commissioner wants people to see more squad cars on the road.

So they're not actually adding more troopers, they're just highlighting their current patrol cars.  Each un-marked car needing an upgrade will cost $3,100 each.

They hope the increase in cars will remind people to put on their seatbelts, stop texting and drive the speed limit - making Iowa's roadways safer.
 
"When people see a marked squad car on the interstate or highways, it changes their driving behavior.  They start following the laws when they see us.  We believe that once we make these vehicles up, it will change driving behavior out there and that's kind of our number one goal," says Sgt. Bright.

Last year there were 360 fatalities on Iowa roads.  The Iowa State Patrol hopes  the increased visibility will bring that number down this year.