8/19/2010
ITD encourages motorists to enjoy Labor Day celebrations and not drive impaired
BOISE - Labor Day signals the traditional end of summer and offers a time for families and friends to gather for one last celebration of the season. The Idaho Transportation Department encourages everyone to make the right choice and not drive impaired.
Law enforcement officers throughout Idaho will participate in a high-visibility impaired driving enforcement campaign Aug. 27 through Sept. 7. The campaign is part of a nationwide Labor Day education and enforcement effort targeting drunk driving.
By increasing patrols, officers expect to arrest more drunk drivers and make the holiday weekend safer for motorists. Overtime costs for the additional enforcement patrols are covered by a federal grant administered by ITD.
"Timing for the law enforcement effort is significant because the Labor Day holiday period has become notorious as a time when many drivers make the deadly decision to drive drunk," said Kevin Bechen with ITD's Office of Highway Operations and Safety.
"Impaired driving is no accident - nor is it a victimless crime," Bechen added. "Alcohol, drugs and driving just don't mix."
Last year, 65 people died across the state as a result of impaired driving crashes.
Besides the emotional toll inflicted on families and friends, impaired driving crashes cost Idaho citizens more than $538 million in 2009. Costs passed on to taxpayers include increased insurance premiums and charges for medical care, lost productivity, legal fees, property damage, travel delays and emergency services.
"Don't become a highway statistic," Bechen warned. "Much of the tragedy from drunk driving can be prevented with a few simple precautions, starting with planning ahead."
- Planning to drink? Designate a sober driver and give that
person your keys.
- If you don't know whether you are impaired, call a taxi, a sober friend or
family member to get home safely.
- Promptly report drunk drivers seen on roadways to law enforcement.
- If you know someone who is about to drive impaired, take his or her keys and
help make other arrangements.
- Wear your seat belt. It is your best defense against a drunk driver.