Full Notification

MERIDIAN POLICE DEPARTMENT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: December 16, 2022

CONTACT: Kelsey Johnston, Public Safety Information Officer, [email protected]
 

Meridian- The Meridian Police Department will once again be participating in the statewide effort to remove DUI drivers from Idaho roadways this holiday season by increasing patrols within the city. During a time when many celebrations include alcohol, the Meridian Police would like to remind residents to celebrate with a plan.

Meridian Police arrested 576 drivers for driving under the influence since last holiday season and this enforcement comes as traffic fatalities across Idaho are at an all-time high according to the Idaho Transportation Department Office of Highway Safety.

Meridian Police Department DUI efforts will increase beginning Friday, December 16 through New Year's Eve weekend. DUI education and enforcement is intended to keep families safe and whole every day, including through this holiday season.

• Plan your safe ride home before you start the party, choose a non-drinking friend as a designated driver.
• If someone you know has been drinking, do not let that person get behind the wheel. Take their keys and help them arrange a sober ride home.
• If you drink, do not drive for any reason. Call a taxi, a ride share service, or a sober friend.
• If you’re hosting a party where alcohol will be served, make sure all guests leave with a sober driver.
• Always wear your seat belt — it’s your best defense against impaired drivers.

If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact local law enforcement. Your actions could help save someone’s life.

“With ride share options available, drivers should be able to get home after drinking without driving themselves. We want to make sure that if you are going to drink, plan ahead for how you will get home,” said Corporal Randall Goodspeed. “Don’t risk it. Protect yourself and others. Do not drink and drive.”

Funding for extra DUI patrols is provided by a grant from the Idaho Transportation Department Office of Highway Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. For more information about the 2022 Holiday Season Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, visit https://www.nhtsa.gov/risky-driving/drunk-driving.
  The Meridian Police Department’s mission is to provide the highest quality service in partnership with the community to preserve and protect life and property through education, prevention and enforcement.  The department has 143 police officers and 43 non-sworn staff dedicated to making Meridian a great place to live, work and raise a family.