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ITD assists in DUI campaign,
additional patrols scheduled

Idaho law enforcement agencies took advantage of overtime assistance from ITD's Office of Highway Operations and Safety (OHOS) and increased patrols to arrest impaired drivers in August and over the Labor Day weekend, according to Kevin Bechen.

Preliminary numbers show that the Idaho State Police, along with county sheriffs' and local police departments across the state, made 200 driving under the influence (DUI) arrests during the 11-day period from Aug. 24 to Sept. 3.

While 12 reported fatalities occurred over the Labor Day weekend, it appears that only one was the result of impaired driving, Bechen said.

“Because of federal funding through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, ITD can work with Idaho law enforcement agencies by providing money to help with overtime costs and alcohol sensing equipment to help reduce drunk-driving crashes and needless injuries and fatalities,” he said.

More highway safety mobilization efforts targeting impaired drivers are planned for the coming year in addition to increased efforts aimed to improve seat belt usage and curb aggressive driving.

Additional impaired driving campaigns are set for the holiday season (Dec. 17, 2007, to Jan. 2, 2008), St Patrick’s Day (March 12-19, 2008), Independence Day (July 2-7, 2008) and Labor Day (Aug. 20 - Sept. 3, 2008).

Seat Belt safety mobilizations are set for Thanksgiving (Nov. 12-25, 2007) and Memorial Day (May 20-June 2, 2008). Two aggressive driving campaigns are planned for 2008 (April 18-27 and July 18-27).

Campaign leads to host of additional arrests

Idaho State Police, county sheriffs and local police departments snagged more than impaired drivers during the recent Labor Day DUI crackdown. Statewide, they apprehended 61 fugitives and recovered seven stolen vehicles, in addition to making 120 felony arrests and 141 drug arrests.

Patrol officers issued 383 seat belt citations, 41 child safety seat citations and 2,174 speeding tickets. Citations were issued to 697 uninsured motorists and 333 people driving with suspended licenses.

Additionally, 54 reckless driving citations were issued, and 117 citations were written for underage alcohol consumption.