7/2/2013
Have a plan and don’t drive impaired this Fourth of July holiday
BOISE - The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) reminds motorists to make the right choice and not drive impaired this Fourth of July holiday.
Law enforcement officers throughout Idaho are on the lookout for motorists driving impaired as part of a nationwide highway-safety mobilization under way through July 12.
By increasing patrols, officers are working to make state highways and the holiday safer for motorists. Overtime costs for the additional enforcement patrols are covered by a federal grant administered by ITD.
Kevin Bechen, with ITD’s Office of Highway Safety, advises people to plan ahead if their Independence Day celebrations involve alcohol.
“Designate a sober driver and give up those car keys, arrange for alternative transportation, don’t let someone drive you know is impaired, and always wear a seat belt in a car or a helmet if on a motorcycle,” Bechen said.
He said also that research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows an increasing number of drivers are impaired by illicit drugs, prescription medications and some over-the-counter remedies.
“Many do not realize that legally prescribed and over-the-counter medications can have a serious impact on driving abilities, especially when alcohol is involved,” he explained.
If you see an impaired driver on the highway, find a safe place to pull over and report that driver by calling *ISP.