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Cheers to a safe New Year

by Press Staff
| December 31, 2021 12:00 AM

The North Idaho DUI Task Force, which comprises law enforcement agencies within Kootenai County, is partnering with the Idaho Transportation Department’s Office of Highway Safety to keep roads free from impaired drivers so everyone can safely ring in the New Year.

A Thursday news release from the Kootenai County Sheriff's office stated dozens of law enforcement officers from eight agencies in Kootenai County will dedicate patrols looking for drivers under the influence of drugs and alcohol through the weekend.

According to the Office of Highway Safety, Idaho experienced 7,922 injury crashes in 2020, resulting in 214 deaths and 11,455 injuries. Of those crashes, 752 were because of impaired driving, resulting in 1,167 injuries and 92 deaths.

With the lift of COVID-19 restrictions in the region, 2021 has seen a higher level impaired driving and impaired driving crashes than in previous years.

The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office, along with Idaho State Police, Coeur d’Alene Police, Post Falls Police, Rathdrum Police, Spirit Lake Police and Hayden Lake Police, want to remind people to choose sober rides if they drink alcohol during their celebrations.

The Office of Highway Safety is sponsoring $5 off Lyft rides to encourage people to find safe rides home after celebrating. Use the code RIDESAFE22 for $5 off a Lyft ride from anywhere in Kootenai County on Friday and Saturday.

The North Idaho DUI Task Force wished everyone a very happy New Year, "but do not let that happiness turn into someone else’s sorrow. "