12/29/2011
ITD reminds partygoers to be safe and not drive impaired
BOISE - Celebrating too much this holiday season may lead to unsafe choices, so the Idaho Transportation Department is reminding partygoers to make a safe choice and not drive impaired.
Using federal grant funds, the transportation department is partnering with Idaho law enforcement agencies to make the state's highways safer by funding education campaigns and high-visibility impaired driving enforcement patrols through New Year's Day.
"ITD's goal is not one death, because every life counts," said Kevin Bechen, with ITD. "We're committed to doing everything we can to help keep families safe and whole."
Last year, impaired driving contributed to 1,593 crashes on Idaho's highways and 96 fatalities.
Bechen advises everyone to wear seat belts when in a vehicle or use a helmet and protective gear when on a motorcycle. It's the best defense against an impaired driver.
He encourages partygoers to have a plan before festivities begin like designating a sober driver or pre-arranging a safe ride home.
“If you know someone who is about to drive while impaired, take his or her keys and help make other safe travel arrangements,” he said, adding that drunk drivers should be reported promptly to law enforcement.