Tuesday, July 17, 2012

Safe Driving Alert

IDAHO STATE POLICE NEWS RELEASE - generated by our News Release ListServer
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IDAHO STATE POLICE NEWS RELEASE
District 3 Patrol 700 S. Stratford Dr., Meridian 83642
(208) 884-7122

For Immediate Release: 07/17/12 12:27 PM

For more information please contact the Idaho State Police, Public Information Officer at (208) 884-7122.

In recent years, the Idaho State Police has been proactive in keeping the citizens of Idaho informed on issues which threaten public safety. On July 11, 2012, while at the scene of an injury crash involving four vehicles on I-84 near mile post 37 in Canyon County, ISP Troopers witnessed up to 30 motorists using unsafe driving practices which jeopardized the well-being of themselves and other motorists. Troopers reported witnessing motorists slowing down at the scene to simply "get a good look at the crash," while others attempted to take photos and videos with hand held devices (smart phones). Troopers further reported that these motorists were either operating a vehicle while filming or photographing the scene, or slowing down enough so that a passenger could record or photograph the scene. Either scenario creates significant risks for other motorists, particularly in terms of unnecessary bottle-necking and increasing the likelihood of subsequent crashes. While taking photos and videos is not a violation of law, if inattentive actions of the motorist in this capacity cause subsequent crashes to occur, civil or criminal charges can be applied. Remember safe driving is not an accident.

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