Full Notification

3/6/2013

Contact:
Steve Grant
Public Information Specialist
(208) 334-8874

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Don’t depend on luck when driving this St. Patrick’s Day

BOISE - Good luck has little to do with ensuring safe travel to and from St. Patrick’s Day festivities, so the Idaho Transportation Department reminds motorists to make the right choice to not drive impaired.

“St. Patrick’s Day is a big night out for many Americans – especially young adults,” said Kevin Bechen with ITD’s Office of Highway Safety. “Driving while impaired puts everyone on the roads at risk, so if you choose to drink, don’t drive.”

A statewide impaired driving high-visibility education and enforcement campaign is planned March 10-18.

ITD’s Office of Highway Safety works to eliminate deaths and reduce injuries from traffic crashes by using federal funds to address dangerous driving behaviors. This effort is part of the department’s commitment to achieve a goal of zero deaths on Idaho’s highways.

For a safer St. Patrick’s Day, Bechen offers a few simple reminders:
- If alcohol will be consumed, designate a sober driver before going and give that person the car keys.
- If impaired, call a taxi, sober friend or family member to get home safely.
- Use available sober-rides programs.
- Promptly report drunk drivers to law enforcement at *ISP.
- Wear your seat belt while in your car or use a helmet and protective gear when on a motorcycle. These are the best defenses against an impaired driver.
- If you know someone who is about to drive while impaired, take his or her keys and help make other safe-travel arrangements.

“Driving any vehicle – including a motorcycle – when ‘buzzed’ or drunk is wrong and not worth the risk,” he said. “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 are significant.”

Violators face jail time, loss of their driver’s license, higher insurance rates, attorney fees, unpaid time away from work and many other expenses, Bechen said.

Questions? Visit us online at itd.idaho.gov, follow ITD on Twitter (@IdahoITD) or Facebook and check travel conditions at 511.idaho.gov or dial 5-1-1. Please slow down in highway construction zones and pay attention. Safety for drivers and workers is our highest priority.