11/24/2009
ITD reminds motorists to be safe this Thanksgiving and not drive impaired
BOISE - Thanksgiving Day motor vehicle travel is expected to increase this year so the Idaho Transportation Department reminds drivers to make the safe choice and not drive impaired.
Last year, more than 41 percent of Idaho's 96 highway fatalities were the result of an impaired driving crash, according to ITD statistics.
"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 safety belt," said Kevin Bechen with ITD's Office of Highway Operations and Safety.
"Buckling up remains the single, best defense against serious injury or death for you and your passengers if you're involved in a crash," explained Mary Hunter, ITD highway safety manager.
In addition to outreach education activities, ITD will use federal funds to pay for overtime law enforcement patrols targeting impaired drivers through Nov. 30.
"It is not OK to drive impaired," Bechen said. "If you are caught, you will be arrested."
Bechen explained that 56 law enforcement agencies statewide are participating in the patrol effort.
"Our goal is no deaths on Idaho's highways," he said.