IDAHO NATIONAL
Idaho
Transportation |
ITD reminds Fourth of July party-goers to designate a sober driver ITD reminds drivers that “buzzed” driving is drunk driving and that Fourth of July party-goers need to designate a sober driver or make alternate transportation plans before holiday celebrations begin. Law enforcement agencies throughout Idaho will be out in force to find and arrest impaired drivers. Funding for the patrol effort is supplied through a federal grant administered by ITD, said Kevin Bechen with ITD’s Office of Highway Operations and Safety. “Nationwide, impaired drivers make the summer holiday one of the deadliest holiday periods of the year,” Bechen said. “Impaired driving is no accident – nor is it a victimless crime. Alcohol, drugs and driving just don’t mix.” Driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or higher is illegal in Idaho -- .02 if you are under 21. 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. Much of the tragedy from drunk driving can be prevented with a few simple precautions before going out to celebrate, Bechen said, starting with planning ahead.
“It’s not hard to recognize someone who’s had way too much to drink,” Bechen said. “But you don’t have to be ‘falling down drunk’ to be a serious threat to yourself and others on the road.” .
Published 6-22-07 |