Idaho State Police To Add Extra Patrols Over Holiday

BOISE, ID — Don't drive impaired. Instead, plan for a sober ride home. Your safety and the safety of others around you depend on it.

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Headed into the busy July Fourth weekend, ISP will partner with approximately 60 other Idaho law enforcement agencies to staff extra patrols looking for drivers under the influence of drugs and alcohol. The Idaho Transportation Department's Office of Highway Safety (OHS) is coordinating the effort to help keep Idaho motorists safe from the threat posed by those who drive impaired.

"Impaired driving changes lives, ends lives, and devastates families. We see those consequences in the work we do every day. That's why we're proud to join our partner agencies and add extra patrols to do all we can to keep our roads safe at a time when they're busy with traveling families." said ISP Lt. Ken Yount.

Extra DUI patrols begin Thursday, July 1st, and will continue through Thursday, July 15th.

"We know that alcohol may be part of summertime events. We need folks to simply take a few minutes and plan ahead for a designated driver and a sober ride home," said Lt. Yount. "Remember to avoid excessive use of alcohol, especially in this intense heat, and to keep alcohol away from those who are underage. This isn't about making arrests, it's about keeping families whole."

DUI arrests made statewide by Troopers with the Idaho State Police increased in 2020, from 1688 DUI arrests in 2019 to 1706 DUI arrests made last year.

The Deadly Consequences of Impaired Driving:

- Impaired driving was the cause of 1,501 crashes in 2019, resulting in 99 deaths in Idaho. There were 8,084 DUI arrests statewide in 2019 according to OHS data.

- One person in the U.S. dies every 52 minutes in an impaired driving crash, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

What can you do?

- Plan your safe ride home before you start drinking; Choose a non-drinking friend as a designated driver; Arrange for a ride share service or taxi.

- If you're hosting a party where alcohol will be served, serve non-alcoholic beverage options and make sure all guests leave with a sober driver;

- Always wear your seat belt - it's your best defense against impaired drivers, and;

- If you see what could be an impaired driver on the road, call *477 (*ISP) or call 911. Your actions could save a life.

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