North Idaho DUI Task Force looks to keep impaired drivers off the road
KOOTENAI COUNTY, ID. — Law enforcement agencies in Kootenai County have created the North Idaho DUI Task Force to keep impaired drivers off their roads.
More deadly crashes tend to take place in the summer months, so much so that between Memorial Day Weekend and Labor Day Weekend, it is considered to be the 100 Deadliest Days of Driving.
Idaho State Police have investigated five fatal crashes that have led to six total deaths in Kootenai County. According to the Idaho Transportation Department’s Office of Highway Safety, 40 percent of fatal crashes are a result of a form of impaired driving.
The different agencies from Kootenai County have come together looking to keep people safe.
“This is a problem that affects everyone, and it’s going to take all of us working together to stop impaired drivers,” Dennis Sanchez, Police Chief of the Spirit Lake Police Department, said. “This is an opportunity for us as leaders to show how important it is to keep people safe from impaired drivers.”
Officers from Highway Safety will provide Lyft vouchers to encourage people to not drink and drive and find a safe way home.
The Coeur d’Alene Police Department wants you to know these three tips to stay safe this summer:
First, be sure to plan ahead. Always make sure to have a designated driver or use public transportation or other ride services to make sure you get home safely.
Next, don’t be afraid to speak up. If you see someone about to drink and drive, take the keys away from and make plans to make sure they get home safely.
Lastly, if you see someone who seems to be under the influence and driving, call ISP at 208-884-7200 or 911.
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