ISP, BCSO to increase labor day weekend patrols, fatalities higher then last year

BONNERS FERRY — Idaho State Police Troopers will continue with extra patrols through the Labor Day weekend as part of a statewide education and enforcement campaign to prevent impaired driving.

Boundary County Sheriff’s Office partnered with the Idaho Transportation Department’s Office of Highway Safety to keep roads free of impaired drivers, which began on Aug. 20 through Labor Day.

More than 60 agencies across the state increased patrols looking for drivers under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

"Caring enough about yourself and others means planning not to drive impaired," said ISP Lt. Marvin Crane. "Putting others at risk with dangerous driving behavior is not acceptable in our communities and we're doing all we can with both education and enforcement to help keep Idahoans safe."

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. Forty-three percent 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,” said Sheriff Kramer. “We’re working together to help keep our communities whole.”

While Deputies are looking for drunken drivers, Sheriff Kramer says preventing impaired driving takes a community effort.

“Idaho is a great place to live because we look out for each other,” Kramer said. “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 us a call and we’ll take it from there.”

"We are urging people who use alcohol or other impairing substances to plan ahead and not get behind the wheel. Most folks actually make the right choice, and that's appreciated. But for those who don't, troopers are on the roads looking for them before they hurt themselves or someone else." Lt. Crain said.

Law enforcement advises designating a sober driver, serve nonalcoholic beverages at events, wear a seat belt and call 477 (ISP) or call 911 if you see an impaired driver on the road.

According to the Idaho Transportation Department Office of Highway Safety, highway fatality crashes have increased in 2021.

As of Aug. 29, there were already 159 highway fatalities, an increase from the previous year’s 142 deaths — an 11% increase.

In the 100 deadliest days, there were 77 fatalities, which can potentially increase after the holiday weekend. This year has already surpassed the previous year’s 75 deaths during the same 100 deadliest days.