Thanksgiving feasts offer many choices, like white or dark meat and pumpkin or mincemeat pie. ITD reminds everyone to make one other important choice - to not drive impaired.

Idaho law-enforcement agencies are conducting education campaigns and high-visibility enforcement patrols statewide searching for drunk or impaired drivers through Nov. 27. ITD's Office of Highway Safety provides funds through a federal grant for the overtime patrol effort.

"ITD's goal is not one death, because every life counts," said Kevin Bechen, with ITD. "We're committed to doing everything we can to help keep families safe and whole."

Last year, impaired driving contributed to 1,593 crashes on Idaho's highways and caused 96 fatalities statewide.

Bechen offered tips to make this Thanksgiving holiday safer.

• If you plan on consuming alcohol, designate a sober driver before leaving and give that person your keys.
• If you are impaired, call a taxi or sober friend or family member to get you home safely.
• Promptly report drunk drivers to law enforcement.
• Wear your seat belt while in your car or use a helmet and protective gear when on a motorcycle. Seat belts are the best defenses against an impaired driver.
• If you know someone who is about to drive while impaired, take his or her keys and help make other safe travel arrangements.

Published 11-23-2011