Idaho’s Stepped up DUI Prevention Efforts Increase Road Safety
Despite increased penalties and focused efforts in the past few decades to reduce the incidence of alcohol-related auto crashes and fatalities, drunk driving remains a serious problem in the U.S. In Idaho, law enforcement recently decided to renew its aim to identify and arrest drunk drivers, so far such efforts appear to paying off.
As a part of a larger statewide effort to prevent drunk driving accidents and crack down on drunk drivers, cities throughout Idaho have been increasing late night patrols and carefully tracking drunk driving arrests. In the southern Idaho community of Mountain Home, local police have reported 59 drunk-driving arrests so far this year, already exceeding 2009's total.
In 2008, the Idaho State Police developed a DUI strike team that increased police presence on state roadways, specifically at night when the overwhelming majority of drunk driving takes place. In 2009, police arrested 960 drivers on DUI charges, nearly tripling arrest figures from 2007.
The strike force accounted for about half of the state police's arrest totals in 2009. By beefing up police presence during the early morning hours between midnight and 2 a.m. - when 90 percent of drunk driving arrests take place - traffic is minimal so officers are better able to identify the signs of a driver who may have had too much to drink before getting behind the wheel.
While stepped up enforcement of intoxicated drivers and increased education has helped make Idaho roads safer, drunk driving accidents still occur - often with tragic consequences. If you have been seriously injured or a loved one has been killed because of a drunk driver, consult with a personal injury attorney in your area. An attorney experienced in handling motor vehicle accidents can protect your rights and help you receive the compensation you deserve.
