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IDAHO STATE POLICE NEWS RELEASE
Region 4 Patrol 218 West Yakima, Jerome, ID 83338-5904 (208) 324-6000
Fax (208) 324-7897
For Immediate Release: 03/10/2011 12:00pm
Contact: Lt. Kevin Haight
ITD, ISP troopers partner to stop impaired driving
March 11 - March 21
Using federal grant funds, the Idaho Transportation Department is again partnering with the Idaho State Police to make state highways safer by funding education campaigns and high-visibility impaired driving enforcement patrols from March 11 through March 21.
The goal of this project is to support the statewide highway safety goal of reducing motor vehicle related deaths and serious injuries as a result of impaired drivers by increasing law enforcement presence and increasing arrests of those impaired drivers.
During the campaign, officers will be watching for impaired drivers. They also will check for seat belt use.
"If your parties or social life involve alcohol, avoid driving any vehicle when 'buzzed' or drunk," said Lt. Kevin Haight. "It's 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," he explained.
In 2009, there were 12,327 DUI arrests in Idaho, resulting in 65 fatalities. 29% of all Idaho fatalities were the result of an impaired driving crash and 77% of those killed were not restrained.
- Whenever you plan on consuming alcohol, designate a sober driver before going out and give that person your keys.
- 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 or 208-736-3070.
- If you know someone who is about to drive impaired, take his or her keys and help make other transportation arrangements.
"Your best and only defense against drunk drivers is to always wear a seat belt and remain attentive to your surroundings and other drivers," Lt. Haight said.
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