12/13/2006
Idaho law enforcement targets drunk drivers this holiday season
BOISE - 'Tis the season to be merry, but don't overdue it and plan on driving. Law enforcement agencies from throughout the state will be working overtime to catch and arrest drunk drivers, the Idaho Transportation Department announced.
ITD's Office of Traffic and Highway Safety is providing money statewide for 29 law enforcement agencies to perform overtime patrols searching for and arresting drunk drivers from Dec. 15 through New Year's Day. Last year, 100 people died in alcohol-related crashes in Idaho.
It is estimated that each fatality caused by impaired driving cost Idahoans $3 million, for a total of $300 million in 2005, according to Kevin Bechen with ITD. Costs associated with serious injury accidents caused by impaired driving totaled more than $84 million last year.
Driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or higher is illegal in Idaho. Driving skills start to deteriorate around .05 BAC.
Law enforcement officers will take a driver's license on the spot if a driver is arrested for a DUI. For a first offense, the license is lost for 90 days following failed evidentiary testing, or one year if the test is refused -- in addition to other penalties that will be imposed for a DUI offense.
Money for the overtime patrol effort is supplied through a federal grant administered by ITD, Bechen said.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Institute offers several tips to prevent drinking and driving:
- Whenever you plan on consuming alcohol, designate a sober driver before you go out and give that person your keys.
- If you are impaired, call a taxi or a sober friend or family member to get you home safely.
- Promptly report drunk drivers to law enforcement agencies.
- Wear your seat belt while in a car or use a helmet and protective gear when on a motorcycle. This is your best defense 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.