The holiday season is here and everyone is gearing up for some fun. However, holiday is also the time of the year when the average American tends to drink more. And this directly contributes to more drunk drivers on the roads, leading to more DUI accidents.
To counter DUI accidents and injuries this year, the law enforcement agencies in Idaho are gearing up to increase police patrols. Idaho State Police is leading the initiative which is being funded by the Idaho Transportation Department. More police patrols are expected to be seen on Idaho roads starting this Thursday with the aim of identifying and removing drunk drivers from the state’s roads.
From 2003 to 2012, 712 people were killed in Idaho in DUI crashes. During the holiday season in particular, the average number of DUI accidents and fatalities increases sharply. This is primarily because more drunk drivers are found on the roads during the holiday season, although other factors like increased traffic also play a role.
The Idaho Transportation Department aims to mitigate the number of DUI crashes this holiday season. According to an officer with the Department, Bill Kotowski, DUI crashes affect not only the victim but also the community at large. This is why concerted efforts are needed to counter them.
Another officer with the Twin Falls Police Department reported that during Monday’s night shift alone, police have arrested four individuals for drunk driving. These arrests are only expected to increase as the holiday season gets into full swing.
DUI arrests and conviction comes with steep costs for a driver. In the state of Idaho, the fines, court costs, and other related expenses can amount up to $10,000 for a first DUI offense. A driver may face stiffer penalties if accident, injury or death is also involved. If you are arrested for driving under the influence, you will need an attorney to help you figure out your next steps. Contact a Boise DUI defense lawyer today!
Source: https://www.kmvt.com/content/news/Impaired-drivers-during-the-holiday-season-565764572.html