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Don’t spoil Thanksgiving by driving impaired
Extra enforcement planned Nov. 17-29

Thanksgiving is filled with choices. Ham or turkey? Sweet potatoes or yams? Pumpkin pie or pecan? Drinking or driving?

Make the right choice to keep this Thanksgiving and the holiday season safe by not mixing alcohol consumption with driving.

ITD reminds everyone to have a plan and 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. 29.

The department commits highway-safety funds support local law enforcement agencies in their safety campaigns.

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

Last year, impaired driving contributed to 1,454 crashes on Idaho's highways and caused 73 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.
Call a taxi, sober friend or family member to get you home safely if you are impaired.
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. These are the best defenses against an impaired driver.