11/12/2013
Don’t spoil Thanksgiving by driving impaired, extra enforcement planned Nov. 17-29
BOISE – Make good choices this Thanksgiving and don’t spoil the traditional family holiday with needless tragedy caused by impaired driving. The Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) reminds everyone to have a plan and not drive impaired.
Idaho law enforcement agencies are conducting education campaigns and high-visibility enforcement patrols statewide searching for drunk or impaired drivers Nov. 17-29.
ITD's Office of Highway Safety is making highway-safety funds available to local law enforcement agencies for the additional enforcement efforts to support this important safety campaign.
"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 1,454 crashes on Idaho's highways and caused 73 fatalities statewide.
Bechen offered tips to make this Thanksgiving holiday safer.
- If you plan on consuming alcohol, designate a sober driver before leaving and give that person your keys.
- Call a taxi, sober friend or family member to get you home safely if you are impaired.
- Promptly report drunk drivers to law enforcement.
- Wear your seat belt while in your car or use a helmet and protective gear when on a motorcycle. These are the best defenses against an impaired driver.
- If you know someone who is about to drive while impaired, take his or her keys and help make other safe travel arrangements.