1540 FOOTE DRIVE
IDAHO FALLS ID 83402
IDAHO'S TOWARD ZERO DEATHS, EVERY LIFE COUNTS CAMPAIGN
It's that time of year when festive parties and holiday celebrations seem everywhere, so the Idaho State Police (ISP) reminds motorists to make this holiday season safer for everyone by choosing not to drive while impaired.
Using federal grant funds, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) Office of Highway Safety is partnering with Idaho law enforcement agencies to make highways safer by funding education campaigns and high-visibility impaired driving mobilization patrols. We are currently in the middle of one such campaign that began Dec. 17 and runs through New Year's Day.
The effort is part of Idaho's Toward Zero Deaths, Every Life Counts campaign that emphasizes areas and strategies to eliminate traffic deaths, serious injuries, and the economic losses associated with preventable traffic crashes. Traffic deaths are not just numbers, they are family and friends lost. ISP wants everyone to make it home safely after holiday celebrations.
While all law enforcement agencies throughout the state will be enforcing drunk-driving laws, 65 agencies including state police, sheriff's deputies and local agencies will participate in the ITD Impaired Mobilization patrols. Last year, impaired driving contributed to 1,593 crashes on Idaho's highways and caused 96 fatalities.
Idaho State Police offer some tips to make the holiday party season safer.
* Whenever you plan on consuming alcohol, designate a sober driver before you leave and give that person your keys.
* If you are impaired, call a taxi or sober friend or family member to get you home safely. Many taxi services offer free or discounted rides to partygoers during the holiday season.
* Promptly report drunk drivers to law enforcement. To contact the Idaho State Police, call *ISP (*477)
* If you know someone who is about to drive while impaired, take his or her keys and help make other safe travel arrangements and always wear your seatbelt.
For on-camera interviews or a ride-along, contact:
Lt. Chris Weadick OR Lt. Ismael Gonzales
Idaho State Police Idaho State Police
Idaho Falls Pocatello
208-521-6279 (cell) 208-521-6281 (cell)
