ISP partners with ITD and local law enforcement to stop impaired driving June 29th through July 12th

IDAHO STATE POLICE NEWS RELEASE – generated by our News Release ListServer

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IDAHO STATE POLICE NEWS RELEASE

Teresa Baker

Public Information Officer

Headquarters 700 S. Stratford Dr., Meridian 83642

(208) 884-7122

Fax (208) 884-7087

For Immediate Release: 06/29/13 at 2:00 p.m.

MERIDIAN – The Idaho State Police is partnering with the Idaho Transportation Department and local law enforcement agencies statewide to make highways safer with high-visibility impaired driving enforcement patrols from June 29th through July 12th. Using federal grant funds, these agencies are first seeking to educate the public about the dangers of drinking and driving and, then, if the message is not heeded, to make arrests.

"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. "Avoid driving any vehicle when 'buzzed' or drunk," says Idaho State Police Sgt. Michael Wendler. He explains, "It's not worth the risk. Not only do you risk injuring or killing yourself or someone else, but the financial costs of an arrest or crash are significant."

In 2012, there were 9,686 DUI arrests in Idaho and there were 73 fatalities resulting from impaired driving. In addition, there were 1,454 impaired driving crashes and 39.5% of all fatalities on Idaho's roads in 2012 were the result of impaired driving!

The solution to stop these tragedies is simple.

– Designate a sober driver before drinking and give them your keys.

– If you are impaired, call a taxi, a sober friend or family member to get you home safely.

– If you go to a bar, check with the employees, many bars have programs to give patrons a free ride home.

– If a friend is about to drive impaired, take his or her keys and help make other transportation arrangements.

– Promptly report suspected drunk drivers you see on roadways to law enforcement. Call the Idaho State Police on your cell phone at *ISP (*477) or simply dial 9-1-1.

For all on the roadways, "Your best defense against drunk drivers is to always wear a seat belt and remain attentive to your surroundings and other drivers," Sgt. Wendler said.

Media:

For on-camera interviews or a ride-along, please contact our District Offices:

District 1 – Coeur d?Alene

Lt. Chris Schenck

615 W. Wilbur, Ste. A

Coeur d?Alene, ID 83815

208-209-8622

District 2 – Lewiston

Lt. Allen Oswald

2700 North & South Highway

Lewiston, ID

208-799-5151

District 3 – Meridian

Lt. Brad Doty

700 S. Stratford Dr.

Meridian, ID

208-884-7368

District 4 – Jerome

Sgt. Mike Wendler

218 West Yakima

Jerome, ID

208-324-6000

District 5 – Pocatello

Capt. Eric Daley

5205 South 5th

Pocatello, ID

208-236-6466

District 6 – Idaho Falls

Lt. Chris Weadick

Idaho State Police

1540 Foote Dr.

Idaho Falls, ID

208-525-7377

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Posted in District 1 - Northern Idaho, District 2 - Central Idaho, District 3 - Western Idaho, District 4 - Southern Idaho, District 5 - Southeastern Idaho, District 6 - Eastern Idaho