Friday, July 1, 2016

Idaho State Police Plan Statewide Mobilization Over July 4th Weekend to Combat Impaired Driving and Other Reckless Driving Behaviors

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: 7/1/16 at 1:40 p.m.

MERIDIAN - The 4th of July holiday weekend is one of the busiest times of the year on Idaho's roads and highways. Idaho State Police seek to keep you and your family as safe as possible while celebrating our nation's independence. Public awareness and enhanced patrols have been found to be an effective tool in improving driving safety and reducing crashes.

"This summer has already been too deadly on Idaho's highways. We recommend drivers to drive sober, drive defensively and pay close attention to what the driver next to you is doing to prevent a crash, injury or even death. ISP will do our part and have additional troopers on the road with grant funds provided by the Idaho Transportation Department's Office of Highway Safety," said Idaho State Police Lt. Chris Weadick.

ISP reminds drivers of the simple things that can save your life or the life of a loved one:

- Buckle up! Make sure everybody in your vehicle is wearing a seatbelt or properly restrained in a child safety seat, it's the best defense in the event of a crash.

- Slow down and be patient with other drivers, you will not get to your destination faster, or maybe at all, if you are involved in a crash.

- Drive sober! Plan ahead and designate a sober driver before drinking and give them your keys. If you or a friend are impaired, call a taxi, a sober friend or family member to get you home safely.

- Just drive. Put the distractions such as your phone or food away until you reach your destination. If you are using GPS, let a passenger navigate for you.

- Give yourself more space between you and the vehicle in front of you so you have time to react to heavy traffic, hazards and road conditions.

- Promptly report suspected drunk drivers or other hazardous drivers you see on roadways to law enforcement. Call the Idaho State Police on your mobile phone at *ISP (*477) or simply dial 9-1-1.

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