Idaho law enforcement prepares for Fourth of July with increased patrols

NORTH IDAHO — Starting this week regional law enforcement partners are working together to ensure the safety of North Idaho travelers and recreators this Fourth of July with an all-hands-on-deck approach to targeting impaired driving and boating. 

While this patriotic holiday is a time of celebration for most, it is also one of the deadliest days of summer across the nation due to impaired driving incidents. 2023 was the deadliest year on Idaho roads in two decades. According to preliminary data from the Idaho Transportation Department, almost 300 people were killed in fatal crashes on the state’s roads last year.

The top contributing circumstances to traffic fatalities in 2023, in no particular order, include failure to maintain lane, speeding, alcohol or drug impairment, failure to yield, inattention, driving left of center, failure to obey traffic signs, overcorrection, improper overtaking of another vehicle, and distracted driving.

Last July, there were 171 impaired driving crashes and 16 fatalities across our state, with two of those deaths occurring right here in North Idaho. Officers, troopers, and deputies take DUI enforcement seriously year-round but will be mobilizing resources for enhanced patrols on highways and back roads alike from July 1 through 8. 

The Office of Highway Safety provides grant funding opportunities for local police agencies to help enhance resources for increased patrols surrounding major holidays like the Fourth of July.

With hot weather and an abundance of beautiful lakes and rivers it’s no wonder boating is one of the most popular recreational activities in the Idaho Panhandle, but it’s not without risk. Every year marine deputies encounter far too many impaired boaters who put themselves and others in danger after a few too many on the water.

This year, in conjunction with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and as part of the North Idaho DUI Task Force’s dedicated enforcement operation, police agencies will deploy marine patrols across all North Idaho waterways to target impaired boaters from July 4-6.

Boundary County Sheriff’s Office is participating in Operation Dry Water, a national boating under the influence awareness and enforcement camp.

Consequences of driving or operating a boat under the influence are largely the same as those of operating a vehicle including the possibility of jail, boat impound, court fines, and community service.

Operation Dry Water weekend is held annually near the Fourth of July holiday, a time known for increased boating activity and prevalent alcohol use, leading to subsequent boating incidents and fatalities.

Alcohol use is the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating incidents; where the primary cause was known, it was listed as the leading factor in 16% of deaths according to U.S. Coast Guard Recreational Boating Statistics 2021.

In 2023, 488 local, state, and federal agencies participated in Operation Dry Water. Over the three-day heightened awareness and enforcement weekend law enforcement officers contacted 302,146 boaters, made 717 BUI arrests, and issued 42,822 citations and warnings for safety violations.

In 2023, over 7,700 officers from 488 local, state, and federal agencies participated in the 72 hours of heightened BUI enforcement.

U.S. Coast Guard 2022 data reveal that alcohol use remains the primary known contributing factor in recreational boater deaths. Operating a boat with a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher is against federal law and most state laws.

Alcohol can impair a boater’s judgment, balance, vision, and reaction time. It can also increase fatigue and susceptibility to the effects of cold water immersion.  In addition, wind, noise, vibration, and motion — common stressors in the boating environment — can intensify the side effects of alcohol, drugs, and some medications.

Impairment can be even more dangerous for boaters than for drivers, since most boaters have less experience and confidence operating a boat than they do driving a car.

The relative risk of death is equivalent for drinking operators and drinking passengers, and for men and women.

It is illegal in every state and territory to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. BUI laws pertain to all vessels, from canoes and rowboats to the largest ships.

85% of people who drowned in a recreational boating incident were not wearing a life jacket. So, be sure to always wear a life jacket.

Boat operator instruction is a significant factor in avoiding and surviving accidents. In accidents where the operator’s instruction was known, 74% of deaths occurred on boats where the operator had not received any boating safety instruction.

Tips to Celebrate Safely

• Plan ahead for a sober ride home. Remember that a sober driver is someone who has not had anything to drink at all, not just the one who has had the least to drink.

• If you are hosting an event, help designated drivers by make sure there are non-alcoholic, or fun ‘mocktail’ beverage options.

• If you spot a drunk driver on the road, report it by calling 911 or *ISP.

• Always wear your seatbelt.