Monday, March 16, 2015

Don't Push Your Luck While Celebrating St. Patrick's Day

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: 3/16/15 at 10:25 a.m.

MERIDIAN - St. Patrick's Day celebrations began this past weekend and Idaho State Police and local law enforcement agencies have stepped up impaired driving patrols to make sure motorists don't have to rely on luck to make it home safe.

ISP is partnering with the Idaho Transportation Department and local law enforcement agencies statewide to make highways safer with high-visibility impaired driving enforcement patrols from March 15th through March 22nd. Using federal grant funds, these agencies are first seeking to educate the public about the dangers of drinking and driving and, then, if the message is not heeded, to make arrests.

During the campaign, officers will be watching for impaired drivers and will also check for seat belt use. "The Idaho State Police want everyone to enjoy St. Patrick's Day, but we urge people to not push their luck and drive when 'buzzed' or drunk," says Idaho State Police Lt. Brad Doty. He explains, "It's not worth the risk. Not only do you risk killing or injuring yourself or someone else, but the financial costs of an arrest or crash are significant."

From 2008 to 2012, almost half the men killed in crashes nationwide on St. Patrick's Day were killed in drunk driving crashes.

The solution to stop these tragedies is simple.

- A sober driver is easier to find than a leprechaun, find one before drinking and give them your keys.
- If you are impaired, call a taxi, a sober friend or family member to get you home safely.
- If a friend is about to drive impaired, take his or her keys and help make other transportation arrangements.
- Promptly report suspected drunk drivers you see on roadways to law enforcement. Call the Idaho State Police on your mobile phone at *ISP (*477) or dial 9-1-1.

For all on the roadways, "Your best defense against drunk drivers is to always wear a seat belt and remain attentive to your surroundings and other drivers," Lt. Doty said.

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