Labor Day holiday weekend—the unofficial end of summer—begins an uptick of patrols by Idaho State Police and its local partners dedicated to enforcing traffic laws and arresting impaired drivers.
“One of the most difficult parts of our job is responding to a DUI collision where someone’s life is altered forever,” says ISP District 3 Trooper Jordan Plascencia. “To see the deadly consequences of impaired driving is heartbreaking, and we want to educate the public about the danger. We are dedicated to enforcing laws that protect the public from those posing a danger to others.”
According to recent safety data, 11,654 people died in alcohol-impaired driving traffic deaths in 2020, which is a 14% increase from 2019. Every day, about 32 people in the United States die in drunk-driving collisions—that’s one person every 45 minutes. Statewide, Idaho Transportation Department data reveals that impaired driving caused 1,729 crashes last year, 108 deaths, and impaired driving fatalities were almost 40% of all traffic fatalities.
“Impaired driving, from alcohol or drugs, is illegal in every state. Not only do you put your safety at risk, but you are a danger to others,” said Headquarters Patrol Captain Matthew Smith. “These types of collisions are completely preventable. Don’t be the reason a trooper delivers tragic news to another Idaho family. Plan ahead, use good judgment, and never get behind the wheel if impaired.”
Being responsible is simple: If you drink, don’t drive! And if you see an impaired driver on the road, don’t hesitate to dial 911 or *ISP (*477).