New Year's DUI arrests: Could education be working?

COEUR d’ALENE — Some local law enforcement agencies toasted a refreshing statistic for celebration of the new year.

The Post Falls, Rathdrum and Spirit Lake police departments all reported zero DUI arrests from noon on New Year's Eve to noon on New Year's Day.

"There has been so much DUI emphasis that maybe people are actually starting to realize it's not safe to drink and drive during the holiday season," Post Falls Police Capt. Greg McLean said. "Maybe society is changing and realizing it's just not worth it."

Heather McDaniel, Spirit Lake Police spokeswoman, said she doesn't believe the lack of DUI arrests in that city was because officers weren’t trying hard enough to find offenders.

"We had additional officers on the streets exclusively looking for impaired drivers," she said. "Officers made plenty of stops and noted that on several occasions they observed sober drivers transporting intoxicated passengers, which was fantastic to see."

McDaniel said she believes police messages on social media about impaired driving and its consequences may have also helped.

"Our hope is that by openly advertising upcoming targeted patrols … we will encourage a change in behavior before drivers get behind the wheel," she said.

Other agencies had a busier time on the DUI front.

Coeur d'Alene police made seven DUI arrests during the 24-hour period compared to four last year.

Kootenai County Sheriff's Office Lt. Ryan Higgins said that agency made 19 arrests during an emphasis patrol from Dec. 14 through Jan. 1. Three of the arrests came on New Year's Eve. Higgins said whether drugs or alcohol were a factor in a fatal accident at Seltice Way and Beck Road near Post Falls on New Year's Eve is under investigation.