Idaho State Police increasing patrols ahead of Thanksgiving travel surge

TWIN FALLS, Idaho – With record numbers of drivers expected on the road this week, the Idaho State Police is increasing patrols around the Thanksgiving holiday and urging motorists to slow down, buckle up and drive sober during the busiest travel period of the year.

Drivers can expect the largest law enforcement presence on the day before Thanksgiving, which is projected to be the heaviest travel day. On Wednesday, ISP will partner with the Gooding County Sheriff’s Office, Jerome County Sheriff’s Office, Minidoka County Sheriff’s Office, and the Cassia County Sheriff’s Office for a high-visibility traffic emphasis.

“Thanksgiving weekend can often turn deadly as it combines heavy traffic with winter weather, and that means drivers need to slow down and give themselves extra time,” Lieutenant Tyler Barrett said. “We just want everyone to get to their destinations safely and return home safely, which is why this operation focuses on visibility and enforcement of driving behaviors that put lives at risk.”

The multi-agency emphasis will focus on hazardous moving violations, impaired driving and distracted driving, with the overall goal of achieving zero fatal crashes. Troopers will conduct extra patrols along key corridors, including Interstate 84 and other U.S. and state highways, where traffic volumes increase sharply during holiday travel.

ISP reminds drivers to:

• Drive sober or don’t drive at all.
• Buckle up — every trip, every seat.
• Watch your speed and increase following distance.
• Put the phone down and avoid distractions.
• Slow down and move over for emergency and tow vehicles, as required by Idaho law.

*Media opportunity: Media is invited to join the Thanksgiving emphasis Wednesday morning. ISP’s Mobile Command Center will be set up at the Declo Port of Entry off westbound I-84. To arrange morning live shots, interviews or a ride-along during the emphasis, please contact PIO Sophia Miraglio at 208-989-0837.

Posted in District 3 - Western Idaho, District 4 - Southern Idaho