BOISE, Idaho — Police around Idaho are stepping up DUI enforcement during the holiday weekend and into mid-July.
At least 60 law enforcement agencies will dedicate patrols to looking for people driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
The emphasis begins Thursday, July 1 and continues through July 15. The main goal of the increased patrols to keep drunk drivers off the road.
Boise Police Corporal Kyle Wills told KTVB that its already been a rough start to the 100 deadliest days of summer. He emphasized minimizing distractions while on the road.
"Put that cell phone down, eliminate those distractions in the car and focus on your drive. Like you had mentioned, put that seat belt on, it's very important to buckle up," Wills explained. "Your chance of survival increases significantly when you've got that seatbelt on. Of course, reduce aggressive driving and then plan for a way to get home. Eliminate impaired driving and that does take all of us as a team and a community doing that."
The Idaho Transportation Department's Office of Highway Safety is partnering with law enforcement.
According to OHS data, impaired driving was the cause of 1,501 crashes in 2019, resulting in 99 deaths in Idaho. There were 8,084 DUI arrests.
"We want everyone to enjoy the Fourth of July holiday, but it's important to be responsible on the road," said OHS Manager John Tomlinson. "As you make your plans for the long weekend, also make a plan for a sober ride home."
Celebrate with a plan and remember these safe alternatives:
- It is never okay to drink and drive. Even if you've had only one alcoholic beverage, designate a sober driver or use a ride-sharing service to get home safely.
- Wear a seat belt. It is the law in Idaho and your best defense in a vehicle. Buckling up helps prevent injury and death if involved in a crash.
- If you see a suspected impaired driver use your cell phone in hands-free mode to call *ISP or 1-800-233-1212.
- Do you have a friend who is about to drive after drinking? Take the keys away and make arrangements to get your friend home safely.