Patrols for impaired drivers planned for holiday weekend

ITD reminds motorists to make the right choice and not drive impaired this Labor Day weekend.

Law enforcement officers throughout Idaho are on the lookout for impaired drivers as part of a nationwide Labor Day mobilization targeting drunk driving under way through Sept. 6.

By increasing patrols, officers expect to arrest more drunk drivers and make the holiday weekend safer for motorists. Overtime costs for the additional enforcement patrols are covered by a federal grant administered by ITD.

Kevin Bechen, with ITD's Office of Highway Safety, advises people to plan ahead if their weekend celebrations involve alcohol.

"Designate a sober driver and give up those car keys, arrange for alternative transportation, don't let someone drive that you know is impaired, and always wear your seat belt," Bechen said. He added that if you see a drunk driver on the roadway, find a safe place to pull over and report that driver by dialing *ISP or *477. 

Last year, nearly half of all Idaho highway fatalities were the result of an impaired-driving crash. The state's law enforcement agencies made more than 10,000 DUI arrests in 2010.

Published 9-2-2011