One DUI injury crash in Memorial Day emphasis

Patrols Friday and Saturday covered Kootenai County roads and highways in force, a holiday effort to reduce impaired driving.

“I am disappointed to report that one impairment-related injury motor vehicle collision was investigated throughout this mobilization,” Sgt. Justin Scotch of the Idaho State Police said.

Scotch leads troopers through strategic DUI pushes, each with the goal of zero injuries or fatalities. The standard is zero but, unfortunately, the goal is not always accomplished.

Targeted emphasis means more law enforcement on duty, making traffic stops in an attempt to identify impaired drivers.

The emphasis was conducted by North Idaho DUI Task Force, comprised of multiple agencies across the Panhandle. The task force is grant-funded to reduce impaired driving. It prevents DUIs by arrests/charges or education/outreach. For major "drinking holidays," local roads are the focus.

During a DUI emphasis, an attorney is on call, ready to request warrants for blood samples and toxicity tests. A judge is on call to sign warrants if a driver refuses a breathalyzer and exhibits probable cause.

When someone claims not to be under the influence, but exhibits clear signs of impairment, drug-recognition experts are available throughout the county. They are troopers, deputies or police trained to see signs of drug use, such as dilated pupils, heightened agitation or slurred speech. They’re certified experts and can provide witness testimony in real time for warrant paperwork.

Blood tests cannot be refused when a warrant is signed and approved and refusal to take a breathalyzer can be overruled.

Using those tools, the task force made 47 total charges.

Results of the Memorial Day Weekend task force push

• DUI Arrests – 13

• Open Container Charges – 2

• Warrant Arrests – 2

• Methamphetamine Seizures – 5

• Cocaine Seizures – 1

• Fentanyl Seizures – 1

• Resisting and Obstructing Charges – 1

• Eluding Cases – 3

• Misdemeanor Drug Offenses – 15

• Minor In Possession of Alcohol Cases – 3

• Impairment Related Injury Motor Vehicle Crashes – 1

The next targeted DUI push is Fourth of July weekend.