8/29/2006
Drunk drivers targeted over Labor Day weekend
BOISE - Law enforcement officers from throughout Idaho are working overtime through the Labor Day holiday weekend to crack down on impaired driving, the Idaho Transportation Department announced.
The message from ITD, the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration and law enforcement is simple: "If you are over the (blood alcohol content) limit, you are under arrest."
By increasing patrols, officers expect to arrest more drunk drivers and make highways safer. Additional overtime costs for the 27 law enforcement agencies involved will be covered by a grant from ITD, according to Kevin Bechen with ITD's Office of Highway Operations and Safety.
An impaired driver caused one of the four fatalities in Idaho that occurred during last year's Labor Day weekend. Officers hope to reduce that number to zero this year.
The NHTSA urges drivers to plan ahead and use the following tips for a safe Labor Day:
- Whenever you plan on consuming alcohol, designate a sober driver before you leave and give that person the keys.
- If you are impaired, call a taxi or a sober friend or family member to take you home safely.
- Promptly report drunk drivers to law enforcement agencies.
- Wear a seat belt while in a car or use a helmet and protective gear when on a motorcycle. Those 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.
For more information about impaired driving, visit www.itd.idaho.gov.