Extra DUI patrols planned

More than 10,000 people were killed in DUI crashes in 2018, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That’s one person every 50 minutes.

Behind each of those numbers is a grieving family.

“Impaired driving ends lives, changes lives and leaves families broken,” said Idaho State Police Trooper Tauna Davis. “That’s something we see firsthand as troopers.”

It’s why law enforcement agencies throughout Idaho are working together to keep impaired drivers off the road and reduce the number of DUI-related crashes this holiday season.

“We’re reminding people that if their holiday plans include alcohol, to plan ahead for a safe ride home,” Davis said.

Extra DUI patrols will run through Jan. 3.

Funding for extra ISP traffic patrols is provided by a grant from the Idaho Transportation Department Office of Highway Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

DUI fatalities in Idaho increased by almost 27% in 2019, according to ITD.

“Don’t drive impaired by drugs or alcohol, and don’t let friends and family drive impaired,” Davis said.

Those who see what could be an impaired driver on the road can call *477 or 911.