This is a friendly—and very serious—reminder. Troopers with the Idaho State Police have joined law enforcement agencies throughout the state this holiday with increased patrols to remove DUI drivers from Idaho roadways. The effort comes at a time when many celebrations often include alcohol, and traffic fatalities across Idaho are at a 15-year high, according to the Idaho Transportation Department Office of Highway Safety. The DUI efforts have been in effect statewide since Dec. 17, and will continue through New Year’s Eve weekend.
“When holiday celebrations include alcohol, we need folks to think and plan ahead for a safe, sober ride home. A trip with a rideshare, taxi, or designated driver is a lot better than a trip to jail,” said Sgt. Justin Scotch of the Idaho State Police District.
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.
And now for some reminders on why the reminder is needed:
- Traffic fatalities in Idaho are at a 15-year high. So far this year, ITD OHS reports at least 254 people have been killed in traffic crashes. That compares to 195 traffic fatalities through this date last year, and the most fatalities in a single year since 2006.
- Between 2016 and 2020, 36% of all fatal crashes in Idaho were related to impaired driving, according to the ITD OHS.
- Between January 1, and December 15, 2021, Troopers with the Idaho State Police have located and charged 1,453 drivers with impaired-driving-related criminal offenses.
- ISP Troopers appreciate the support of partner agencies and are exceptionally grateful for community support, including volunteers from Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)..