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DUI emphasis stepped up for Labor Day
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August 23, 2012 |
Labor Day picnics and activities offer people
many choices, from what to eat to what to do.
One important choice the Idaho Transportation
Department encourages everyone to make is to not
drive impaired.
ITD and law enforcement officers throughout
Idaho are partnering in a high-visibility
impaired driving education and enforcement
campaign August 25 through September 8. The
campaign is part of a nationwide Labor Day
education and enforcement campaign targeting
drunk driving.
By increasing patrols, officers expect to arrest
more drunk drivers and make the holiday weekend
safer for motorists. Overtime costs for the
additional enforcement patrols are covered by a
federal grant administered by ITD.
“Timing for the law enforcement effort is
significant because the Labor Day holiday period
has become notorious as a time when many drivers
and motorcyclists make the deadly decision to
drive or ride drunk,” said Kevin Bechen with
ITD’s Office of Highway Safety.
“Impaired driving is no accident – nor is it a
victimless crime,” Bechen said. “Alcohol, drugs
and driving just don’t mix.”
Last year, 66 people died across the state as a
result of impaired driving crashes.
Besides the emotional toll inflicted on families
and friends, impaired driving crashes statewide
cost Idaho citizens more than $560 million.
Costs passed on to taxpayers through increased
insurance premiums and charges for medical care,
lost productivity, legal fees, property damage,
travel delays and emergency services.
“Don’t become a highway statistic,” Bechen said.
“Much of the tragedy from drunk driving can be
prevented with a few simple precautions,
starting with planning ahead.”
- Planning to drink? Designate a sober driver and give that person
your keys.
- If you don’t know whether you are impaired, call a taxi, a sober
friend or family member to get home safely.
- Promptly report drunk drivers seen on roadways to law
enforcement.
- If you know someone who is about to drive impaired, take his or
her keys and help make other arrangements.
- Wear your seat belt. It is your best and only defense against a
drunk driver. |
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