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Idaho Transportation
Department
Public Affairs Office
P.O. Box 7129
Boise, ID 83707
208.334.8005
Fax: 208.334.8563
Email


Law enforcement target impaired drivers

If you drink and drive in Idaho you will be arrested.

That is the message state law enforcement officials, ITD and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration want drivers to know as part of a crackdown on impaired drivers before and during the Labor Day weekend.

Last year, more than 9,000 people were arrested in Idaho on charges of driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Impaired drivers caused 1,900 collisions in the state, resulting in 100 fatalities. The economic impact of those fatalities is estimated at more than $300 million.

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 in addition to the risk of causing a fatal or serious injury crash.

ITD estimates that out-of-pocket costs for attorney fees, fines and court costs for a first-time DUI offense exceed $5,000.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Institute offers several tips to help keep drivers safe:

  • 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.

For more information about impaired driving visit www.itd.idaho.gov

Published 8-25-06