12/21/2007
ITD reminds holiday partygoers to have a plan
BOISE - Partygoers need to have a plan if their holiday activities include motor vehicles and alcohol. Law enforcement agencies throughout Idaho are on the watch for impaired drivers, the Idaho Transportation Department announced.
ITD's Office of Highway Operations and Safety is providing money statewide for the state's law enforcement agencies to conduct overtime patrols searching for and arresting drunk or impaired drivers through New Year's Day. Last year, 110 people died in alcohol-related crashes in Idaho.
"Whether you've had way too many or just one too many, it's not worth the risk," said ITD's Kevin Bechen. "Think before you choose to drink."
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) offers several tips to prevent drinking and driving.
- Whenever you plan on consuming alcohol, designate a sober driver before you leave and give that person your keys.
- If you are impaired, call a taxi or a sober friend or family member to get you home safely.
- Promptly report drunk drivers to law enforcement agencies.
- Wear your seat belt while in a car or use a helmet and protective gear when on a motorcycle. This is your best defense 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.