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Impaired driver patrols scheduled, catch more than DUIs

Ensuring safe travel on Idaho's highways is a prime reason for high visibility education and enforcement campaigns that target impaired driving, such as one planned statewide for March 11-21.

ITD’s Office of Highway Operations and Safety works with partners statewide to reduce deaths and injuries from traffic crashes by utilizing federal funds to address dangerous driving behaviors. This effort is part of the department's commitment to achieve a goal of zero deaths on Idaho's highways.

According to statistics gathered by ITD, 133 agencies across Idaho participated in the last round of holiday patrols that were funded through a federal grant administered by the department.

That Christmas/New Year's traffic safety effort identified more than just impaired drivers or those who were involved in dangerous driving behaviors or breaking traffic laws.

Law enforcement officers made 431 driving under the influence (DUI) arrests across the state during the 18-day period (Dec. 17, 2010, to Jan. 3, 2011).

In addition to the DUI arrests, law enforcement officers apprehended 161 fugitives, made 174 felony arrests, recorded 369 drug arrests and recovered 10 stolen vehicles. More than 5,300 other citations also were issued during the campaign.

575 seat belt citations
38 child passenger safety citations
521 suspended license citations
1,971 uninsured motorist citations
2,137 speeding citations
65 reckless driving citations

"We encourage every driver to make smart choices when behind the wheel of a motor vehicle," said Kevin Bechen, with ITD. "ITD and its highway safety partners are committed to doing everything we can to help keep families safe and whole."