As Idahoans make their end of summer plans, the Moscow Police Department (MPD) is partnering with the Idaho Transportation Department’s Office of Highway Safety (OHS) to keep roads free of impaired drivers through Labor Day. Beginning this Fri., Aug. 20, officers from more than 60 agencies across the state will increase patrols looking for drivers under the influence of drugs and alcohol.
The high visibility enforcement campaign coincides with the close of the summer driving season known as the 100 Deadliest Days on Idaho roads. The term refers to the time between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends when there is an increase in deadly crashes.
According to Idaho crash data, impaired driving was the cause of 1,513 crashes in Idaho last year killing 92 people and injuring hundreds more. 43% of all fatalities were the result of an impaired driving crash.
Driving under the influence of any substance is dangerous and illegal, and these deaths are preventable. We’re working together to help keep our communities whole.
Idaho is a great place to live because we look out for each other. If you see someone who’s had too much to drink help them find a safe, sober ride home. If they insist on driving, give the MPD a call at 208-882-COPS (2677) and we’ll make sure they get home safe.
Impaired Driving Quick Facts:
- Last year impaired driving was a factor in 6.7% of all crashes in Idaho but contributed to 43% of all traffic fatalities.
- In 2020, a person was killed in an impaired driving crash every four days in Idaho.
- Of motor vehicle occupants killed in DUI crashes 71% were not wearing seat belts.
- In 2020, 6,939 people were arrested for DUI.
- Males comprised 72% of the drivers involved in impaired driving crashes.
Do’s and Don’ts
Do - Call 208-882-COPS (2677), if you think someone is going to drive while intoxicated, before they get behind the wheel.
Do - Call 911 if you suspect there is a drunk driver on the road.
Do - If it is safe, stay on the line with dispatchers and provide updates to a suspected drunk driver’s location and direction of travel.
Don’t - Approach a drunk driver behind the wheel or physically try to stop them.
Don’t - Violate any criminal or traffic laws to follow a driver you think is intoxicated.
Don’t - Let a friend or close one drive drunk or high.
Don’t - Drive if you feel “okay” after a “few” drinks. Buzzed driving is drunk driving.