Tuesday, July 2, 2013

ISP Plans "All Hands on Decks" Operation for Enhanced 4th of July Holiday Patrols

IDAHO STATE POLICE NEWS RELEASE - generated by our News Release ListServer
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IDAHO STATE POLICE NEWS RELEASE
Teresa Baker
Public Information Officer
Headquarters 700 S. Stratford Dr., Meridian 83642
(208) 884-7122
Fax (208) 884-7087

For Immediate Release: 07/2/13 at 8:00 p.m.

MERIDIAN - The Idaho State Police is serious about holiday travel safety. To prove the point, all commissioned officers, even those usually behind a desk, will be hitting the road tomorrow for what will be sure to be one of the busiest travel days of the summer.

"We want to give our citizens added safety on the roads to start out the 4th of July holiday weekend," says Colonel Ralph Powell. "Already this year ISP has investigated 35 fatalities on Idaho's highways. We want to make sure everybody is able to celebrate our nation's independence safely and so all commissioned officers scheduled to work on July 3rd, even myself, will be out patrolling our state and federal highways."

The goal of the enhanced patrols is not to only enforce the traffic laws but also to remind the public of the following:
- Don't drink and drive
- Wear your seatbelt
- Be patient with other drivers and give yourself extra time to travel
- Stay alert and get enough sleep before traveling
- Avoid distractions including cell phones
- Move over when passing emergency vehicles

ISP would also like to remind those traveling in certain highly traveled areas of the state to be extra patient with the traffic and other motorists. You will probably want to plan an extra hour or two into your trip to lessen your stress.

For those returning to the Treasure Valley via Idaho Highway 55 on Sunday that congestion will probably be the heaviest that afternoon from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Consider returning from your trip before or after that time to avoid the rush. You may also want to consider using alternate routes such as US95 or Highway 21.

In the northern central area of the state, traffic will be very heavy on US95 between Moscow and Lewiston and on US12 between Lewiston and Orofino, and motorists are reminded to exercise patience.

If you are headed between the Stanley Basin and the Wood River area via US93 and Idaho 75, please also allow for extra time due to heavy congestion.

Lastly, in the eastern part of the state, motorists are reminded that US20 between Rigby and Rexburg is under construction and there are work zones with flaggers working over the weekend. Please plan for the extra time that will be required if traveling that stretch of highway.

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