Caution, seat-belt use urged as holiday, summer driving begin
As the three-day Memorial Day holiday approaches – signaling the unofficial beginning of the summer travel season – ITD and the Idaho State Police remind motorists to stay safe during their travels. Many local law enforcement agencies, including ISP, have partnered with ITD's Office of Highway Safety for a seatbelt mobilization patrol.
During traffic stops, officers will have zero tolerance for non-seatbelt usage, including passengers. Agencies also will put extra D.U.I. patrols on the highways during the holiday weeken. If your holiday celebrations include alcohol consumption, please assign a designated driver or find an alternative way home. Do not drive after drinking.
ISP also reminds motorists to observe the "Move Over Law," which requires motorists to slow down and move over if possible when approaching a stationary authorized emergency vehicle displaying flashing lights or if emergency vehicles approach from the front or back.
Every year police officers are killed nationwide while parked on the side of the road during the course of their duties. The Move Over Law helps protect law enforcement officers and emergency service personnel who risk their lives protecting the public.
May also is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month. ITD is partnering with Idaho STAR and the Idaho Highway Safety Coalition to promote Motorcycle Safety and encourages drivers to be extra alert and cautious of motorcycles. The top five contributing circumstances for motorcycle crashes are failure to yield, inattention, improper turn, following too close and alcohol or drug impairment.
The seatbelt mobilization, Move Over Law and Motorcycle Safety Awareness are all part of Idaho's "Toward Zero Deaths - Every Life Counts" campaign.
Published 5-27-2011