Thursday, November 18, 2010

Thanksgiving Patrols

Contact:
Captain Lonnie Richardson
Region Two Commander
(208) 799-5150

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Make good driving choices this Thanksgiving holiday

Thanksgiving is a festive time for many that brings families and friends together, but it can quickly turn into a nightmare when loved ones choose to drive impaired.

The Idaho State Police in Region Two will be conducting high-visibility impaired driving enforcement patrols from Nov. 19 through Nov. 30.

The effort is part of Idaho's Toward Zero Deaths' goal to someday have no traffic deaths on Idaho's roads. Traffic deaths are not just numbers. They are family members and friends lost. The Idaho State Police wants everyone to make it home safely after holiday celebrations. Troopers will be watching for impaired drivers as well as checking for seat belt use.

If your Thanksgiving celebration involves alcohol, avoid driving any vehicle and use a designated driver. Driving impaired is not worth the risk. Not only do you risk injuring or killing yourself or someone else, but the financial costs of an arrest or crash are significant. A few simple precautions before celebrating can prevent a drunk-driving tragedy. If you're impaired, call a taxi, a sober friend or family member to get you home safely. Promptly report drunk drivers you see on roadways to law enforcement. To contact the Idaho State Police, call *ISP. If you know someone who is about to drive impaired, take his or her keys and help make other transportation arrangements. Be alert to other drivers actions and drive defensively. Remember to always wear your seatbelt.