ISP increasing DUI patrols

Idaho State Police troopers are joining agencies throughout the state with increased patrols to remove DUI drivers from Idaho roadways.

The effort comes when many holiday 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.

"Putting others at risk with dangerous driving behavior is simply not acceptable," said Sgt. Justin Scotch of the Idaho State Police District 1 DUI Team based in Coeur d'Alene.

He called on people attending celebrations where there will be alcohol to plan ahead in case they need a ride home and use a taxi or a designated driver.

ISP DUI efforts will increase statewide today and continue through New Year's Eve weekend.

So far this year, ITD 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 fatal crashes in Idaho were related to impaired driving, according to the ITD.

Between Jan. 1, and Dec. 15, 2021, ISP troopers located and charged 1,453 drivers with impaired driving-related criminal offenses.

The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office reported that between Nov. 27, 2020 and Jan. 1, 2021, there were 22 DUI arrests and seven citations.

This year, between Nov. 23 and Dec. 15, KCSO has arrested 11 for DUI and cited two.

"We are aware that behind every fatal crash is a family who will forever feel broken by the loss of a loved one," said Sgt. Curt Sproat of the Idaho State Police District 3 DUI Team based in Meridian.

If you see what could be an impaired driver on the road, call 477(ISP) or call 911.