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Idaho Transportation
Department

Public Affairs Office
P.O. Box 7129
Boise, ID 83707
208.334.8005
Fax: 208.334.8563
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Drunk driving patrols increase for July 4th weekend


Along with increased travel predicted on highways during the July 4th weekend, law enforcement will increase patrols aimed at taking drunk drivers off Idaho roads.

Today through Monday (July 2-5), law enforcement officials statewide will conduct saturation patrols to crack down on offenders as part of the “You Drink, You Drive, You Lose” campaign. ITD’s Office of Highway Safety (OHS) provides funding for overtime pay to officers who otherwise would not be on duty.

“Our message is simple - you drink, you drive, you lose,” said Kevin Bechen of OHS. “We’re putting drunk drivers on notice: If you’re caught drinking and driving, you will be arrested and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.”

Refusing a blood alcohol concentration test can result in immediate loss of a driver license. Violators also can lose time from their jobs, incur fines and increased insurance premiums, and potentially face imprisonment.

“You'll be spending money on bail, court costs, lawyer and towing fees instead of on your summer vacation," Bechen added. “The consequences can be enormous, not only to the violator, but to their entire family.

“Crashes caused by drunk drivers are not accidental, they are absolutely preventable.”

The Idaho Office of Highway Safety reminds drivers to plan ahead and to designate a sober driver before celebrating. If you’re feeling “buzzed,” you are most likely impaired, Bechen said. He offers the following tips to motorists:

  • Choose to drive sober.
  • If you’ve been drinking, ask a friend to drive you home, call a cab, or take public transportation.
  • Spend the night where the activity is being held.
  • Report impaired drivers to law enforcement, by calling REDDI (Report Every Drunk Driver Immediately) toll free at (800) 233-1212, or using a cell phone, dial “*ISP” .

After years of gradual improvement, fatalities in alcohol-related crashes are rising nationally. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 17,419 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes during 2002. In Idaho, 97 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes in 2002.

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