9/22/2006
ITD provides law enforcement overtime help with DUI campaign
BOISE - Many Idaho law enforcement agencies took advantage of overtime help from the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) and increased patrols to arrest impaired drivers in August and over the Labor Day weekend, according to Kevin Bechen with ITD's Office of Highway Safety.
With a little more than half of the 27 participating law enforcement agencies reporting in, the campaign has led to 110 DUI arrests for the five-week period, Bechen said. He added that 86 law enforcement officers worked 1,620 overtime hours as part of the effort.
"Because of federal funding through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, ITD can work with Idaho law enforcement agencies to help reduce drunk driving crashes and needless injuries and fatalities," Bechen said. "We provide money to help with overtime and alcohol sensing equipment for DUI patrols."
In Idaho, driving with a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher is illegal -- .02 for drivers younger than 21. Violators face jail time, substantial fines, loss of driving privileges and higher insurance rates.
Last year, more than 9,000 people were arrested in Idaho on charges of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs.