12/16/2005
Law Enforcement Officials to Crack Down on Impaired Drivers During Holidays
BOISE - State and local law enforcement will be out in full force looking for and cracking down on drunk drivers this holiday season, the Idaho Transportation Department announced.
"The period between Thanksgiving and New Year's is one of the most dangerous times of the year due to an increase in drunk driving," said Kevin Bechen of the Idaho Office of Traffic and Highway Safety (OTHS). "That's why law enforcement will be working overtime with increased saturation patrols."
In Idaho, more than 10,000 drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol in 2004. During the same year, 103 people died and nearly 900 were injured in impaired driving collisions.
Nationwide last December, 1,210 people died in highway crashes involving a driver or motorcycle operator with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) level of .01 or higher, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
"When you're celebrating you might not realize that you've had too much. Always designate a sober driver before the party begins. Take the keys and never let a friend or family member leave if you think they are about to drive drunk," Bechen said. He offered these other simple reminders for a safer holiday season:
- If you feel buzzed or light-headed, you are probably
impaired -- in that case, call a taxi or get a sober friend or family
member to drive you
- Report drunk drivers to law enforcement
- Always buckle up -- it is your best defense against an impaired driver
- Spend the night where the activity is being held and sleep it off
In addition to law enforcement efforts, OTHS is conducting a public education campaign to fight drunk driving. "You Drink, You Drive, You Lose!" radio and TV public service announcements are airing throughout Idaho and the Northwest, and appear on billboards.
For more information about the importance of stopping impaired driving, visit www.stopimpaireddriving.org.