11/25/2008
ITD impaired driver mobilization under way, more highway safety mobilizations planned for 2009
BOISE - Idaho's law enforcement agencies are searching for and arresting impaired drivers as part of a statewide mobilization targeting impaired motorists this Thanksgiving holiday weekend, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) announced.
The goal of the mobilization, which began Nov. 17, is to reduce deaths and serious injuries on Idaho highways caused by impaired drivers, said Kevin Bechen with ITD's Office of Highway Operations and Safety.
"It is especially important to set a good example for family members this Thanksgiving holiday by choosing not to drive impaired and insisting that everyone in your vehicle wear a seat belt," Bechen said.
The impaired driving mobilization is one of several highway safety law enforcement mobilizations planned throughout Idaho for the coming months: Dec. 12, 2008 - Jan. 4, 2009, "Over the Limit, Under Arrest" impaired driving mobilization; Feb. 12-22, "Click It!" seat belt mobilization; March 8-22, "Over the Limit, Under Arrest" impaired driving mobilization.
ITD pays for law enforcement's overtime costs during these periods of increased patrols through a federal grant.