12/11/2023
Ellen Mattila
ITD Communication
208-832-8776
ellen.mattila@itd.idaho.gov
Media Advisory Dec 13: Drunk Driving Prevention Experts Available for Interviews as Idaho Kicks Off Statewide Campaign
BOISE- As the holiday season approaches with joyous celebrations, the unfortunate reality for some across Idaho is that these festivities are abruptly cut short by the devastating impact of impaired driving.
From December 13 through New Year's Day, over 50 Idaho law enforcement agencies will collaboratively engage in a national effort to remove impaired drivers from our roadways. Officers will actively patrol to safeguard the holidays, preventing impaired drivers from ruining the holidays for their own safety and that of others.
Colonel Kedrick Wills, Director of the Idaho State Police, emphasized the collective commitment to public safety, stating, "Embodying an unwavering dedication to public safety, law enforcement agencies across the region stand united in the collective responsibility of preventing impaired driving and saving lives. Our collaborative enforcement efforts serve as a potent deterrent, leaving no room for doubt that impaired driving is unacceptable. Make the right choice for the well-being of others - never drive impaired."
To coincide with the launch of the statewide impaired driving enforcement campaign, a one-day regional summit on impaired driving will take place at the Boise Centre. The summit will feature distinguished speakers from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), law enforcement experts from agencies throughout the United States, and the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), with participants from law enforcement agencies throughout the Pacific Northwest.
Media organizations are welcome to attend the opening remarks at the summit, with in-person interviews available directly after. The summit is on Wednesday, December 13, at 8 a.m. in the Grove Hotel, 245 South Capitol Blvd., Boise. Interviews will be available from 8:30 to 9 a.m.
- Dennis Maughan - Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Regional Executive Director
- Greg Fredericksen - National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Region 10 Administrator
- Colonel Kedrick Wills - Idaho State Police (ISP) Director
- Josephine Middleton - Idaho Transportation Department (ITD), Highway Safety Manager
For day-of assistance, please contact the Idaho State Police Public Affairs Office at 208-989-0837.
Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD):
MADD is a non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating drunk driving, supporting the victims of these violent crimes, and preventing underage drinking.
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):
NHTSA is the federal agency responsible for ensuring the safety and efficiency on U.S. roadways, including efforts to reduce impaired driving.
Idaho State Police (ISP):
ISP is committed to safeguarding the citizens of Idaho through proactive enforcement of state laws and regulations.
Idaho Transportation Department Office of Highway Safety (OHS):
OHS works to prevent death and injury on Idaho roads by using data-driven interventions to improve Idaho’s traffic safety culture.