Beginning today (Wednesday, December 13) through the end of the year, additional officers will be on the road looking for drunk drivers.
“We understand this is a time of year when people like to celebrate,” said Lisa Losness from the Idaho Office of Highway Safety. “It’s important to have a plan for a sober ride home before the celebrating begins.”
According to the National Highway Safety Administration, 10,497 people were killed in alcohol-related crashes in 2016. The holidays prove to be extra dangerous to drivers as more people—drivers and pedestrians alike—are out on the roads.
“We want to keep our roads safe this holiday season and help people understand that the only time they should be behind the wheel is when they are sober,” said Losness. “Alcohol affects people differently, and you do not have to be feeling or acting drunk to be too impaired to drive.”
Losness says anyone who plans to drink at a holiday event should plan ahead and designate a driver, call a cab, or arrange for another ride to pick them up.
“The holidays are a time to be with family and friends,” Losness said. “Please don’t let a bad decision ruin it for them.”