IDAHO — If you are planning to celebrate the start of a new year with a few drinks, make sure you do not drink and drive. Idaho State Police says extra patrols will be in force through the weekend with the goal of increasing safety by reducing DUI-related crashes.
"We want families to stay whole and healthy and have a new year to look forward to. Driving sober, driving engaged, and driving for conditions is the best way to keep our roads safe for travel," said ISP Lt. Chris Schenck.
ISP is partnering with local law enforcement agencies throughout the state and the ITD Office of Highway Safety in supporting the effort to remove DUI drivers from the road. Around one-third of all traffic crash fatalities in the United States involve drunk drivers, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
To make sure you get home safe, plan a ride before you start the party, choose a non-drinking friend as a designated driver or arrange for a ride share service or taxi. If you are hosting a party where alcohol is served, make sure to provide non-alcoholic options and make sure all guests leave with a sober driver.
ISP also reminds everyone to always wear their seat belt, it's the best defense against impaired drivers. If you see what could be an impaired driver on the road, call *477 (*ISP) or 911.
The extra patrols run through January 3, 2021. Funding is provided by a grant from the ITD Office of Highway Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
