ITD and MPD Partner to Stop Impaired Driving
Contact: Lt. Blake Wells
Montpelier Police Department
208-847-1324
Date: 3/10/2012
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 10 – 18
Using federal grant funds, the Idaho Transportation Department is partnering with the Montpelier Police Department to make Idaho’s highways safer by funding education campaigns and high-visibility impaired driving enforcement patrols from March 10 through March 18.
“The effort is part of Idaho’s Toward Zero Deaths’ goal to someday have no traffic deaths on Idaho’s roads. Traffic deaths are not just numbers. They are family members and friends lost,” said Kevin Bechen, with ITD’s Office of Highway Operations and Safety.
During the campaign, officers will be watching for impaired drivers. They also will check for seat belt use.
"Drunk driving is simply not worth the risk. Not only do you risk killing yourself or someone else, but the trauma and financial costs of a crash or an arrest for impaired driving can be significant," said Lt. Wells. "Violators often face jail time, the loss of their driver's license, higher insurance rates, attorney fees, time away from work, and dozens of other expenses. So don't take the chance. Remember, if you are over the limit, you are under arrest."
In 2010, there were 10,726 DUI arrests in Idaho and there were 96 fatalities resulting from impaired driving. In addition, there were 1,593 impaired driving crashes. 45.9% of all Idaho fatalities in 2010 were the result of impaired driving!
-If you plan on consuming alcohol, designate a sober driver before going out and give that person your keys.
- If you're impaired, call a sober friend or family member to get you home safely.
- Promptly report drunk drivers you see on roadways to law enforcement. To contact the Bear Lake County Dispatch center, call 208-945-2121.
