All hands on deck for holiday

November 27, 2013

The Idaho State Police wants all those traveling on Idaho's highways to make it to their holiday destination safely this weekend. To prove the point, all commissioned officers, even those usually behind a desk, will be on the road tomorrow for what is one of the busiest travel days of the year.

"All Hands on Deck" is ISP's third holiday operation in 2013. Troopers will focus on traffic violations that are known to be factors in crashes and cause fatalities. Speed, aggressive and distracted driving often top the list, along with driving while impaired and failing to use safety belts and child safety seats.

"We want to give families added safety on the roads to start out the holiday season," says Colonel Ralph Powell. "Thanksgiving weekend is a busy time for friends and families, but it is also a busy time for crashes and fatalities. ISP wants to do all we can to prevent these tragedies and this is why our troopers are spending time away from their families so that you can make it to your families' destination safely."

The goal of the "All Hands on Deck" enhanced patrols is not to only enforce the traffic laws but also to remind the public of the following:

   - Don't drink and drive
   - Wear your seatbelt
   - Drive according to conditions even if it is below the posted speed limit
   - Be patient with other drivers and give yourself extra time to travel
   - Stay alert and get enough sleep before traveling
   - Avoid distractions including cell phones
   - Move over when passing emergency vehicles

For those who are not behind the wheel, ISP invites you to join our troopers in a virtual ride-along on Twitter. ISP will give real time highlights via the front seat of a patrol car in District 3, which includes the greater Treasure Valley area.

The ride-along will be day shift from 07:00 to 14:00 (that is 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for you civilians). Other activity from our give other districts in Idaho will be shared as well. Follow the Idaho State Police on Twitter @IdahoStPolice and will use an "All Hands on Deck" hashtag of #ISPAHoD.

Lastly, we remind all motorists to report those that you think might be an impaired driver. Use the Idaho State Police REDDI (Report Every Drunk Driver Immediately) hotline at 1-800-233-1212 or simply dial 9-1-1.