9/2/2005
CORRECTION: Highway construction suspended to accommodate holiday travelers
BOISE - Most work on highway construction projects throughout Idaho will be suspended through Monday (Sept. 6) to accommodate holiday traffic during the Labor Day weekend, the Idaho Transportation Department announced.
Approximately 45 highway improvement projects are under way throughout the state. Traffic impacts already in place, such as lane restrictions, detours and reduced speed limits, may continue during the holiday weekend.
Motorists can improve their safety during holiday travel by following these tips:
- Always wear your seat belt. A seat belt provides protection against injury or death in the event of a collision, and Idaho law requires everyone in a vehicle to be properly restrained.
- Put children in the right safety seat. Keeping kids safe on the road means putting them in the right safety restraint at the right age. All children age 12 and under should be properly restrained in the back seat. Children 6 years and younger must be properly secured in child safety seats or booster seats. For information on what safety restraint is right for your child, visit www.NHTSA.dot.gov or itd.idaho.gov/ohs/ChildSafety/index.html .
- Don't drink and drive. Choose a designated driver if your holiday celebrations include alcohol. Law enforcement officers in Idaho will conduct saturation patrols to crack down on drunk drivers through Sept. 11. The stepped-up patrols are part of the You Drink, You Drive, You Lose! nationwide campaign.
- Pay attention. Distractions in and out of your vehicle may take your attention away from driving. Accidents can be caused by split-second distractions such as spilled drinks, changing a radio station or answering the cell phone.
- Plan ahead. Weekly construction updates on the state highway and interstate system are available by phone or on the Internet. Consult the Idaho Road Report at 1-888-IDA-ROAD (432-7623) or visit itd.idaho.gov and click on Traveler Services. The report is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week (including holidays).