7/17/2006
Idaho State Police and local law enforcement to perform median emphasis patrols on U.S. 95 in Coeur d'Alene and Hayden
COEUR D'ALENE - In an effort to raise awareness and increase safety, the Idaho State Police and local law enforcement officials will perform emphasis patrols at median areas on U.S. 95 in Coeur d'Alene and Hayden this week (July 17-21), the Idaho Transportation Department announced. Patrol officers from the City of Coeur d'Alene and the Kootenai County Sheriff's office will also participate in the campaign.
The emphasis patrols will occur from Wilbur Avenue to Wyoming Avenue each day. Officers will target traffic on side streets that fails to yield to highway traffic and vehicles blocking the median areas. Traffic on U.S. 95 has the right of way at all times over vehicles accessing the highway from side streets.
The fine for a basic infraction is $62. However, the fines can increase if the infraction is upgraded to inattentive or reckless driving, depending on the level of hazard created by the driver. Fines could then be increased to up to $1,000 with a license suspension and/or jail time.
The emphasis patrols are being conducted after numerous complaints were received from area businesses and motorists who use the highway.