MERIDIAN, Idaho — Starting Wednesday, the Meridian Police Department will increase patrols to crack down on impaired drivers.
It’s all part of a nationwide Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign.
The Meridian Police Department is partnering with the Idaho Office of Highway Safety and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to get impaired drivers off the roads and keep Meridian safe. The campaign runs through Jan. 1, 2020.
During last year’s statewide campaign, 49 law enforcement agencies participated, resulting in the arrest of 118 drivers who exceeded the legal limit in Idaho.
“This multi-agency mobilization is a cooperative effort with a mission to send a clear message,” said Traffic Sergeant Brandon Frasier, “Holidays are a time for celebration with family and friends but driving drunk is never a good or safe choice.”
In 2018, there were 35 crashes involving impaired drivers in Meridian. Three of those were fatal crashes. Additionally, Meridian Police officers arrested 348 drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Here are some tips to keep safe during the holidays:
- Remember it is never okay to drink and drive. Even if you’ve had one alcoholic beverage.
- Be prepared with a plan, before you start drinking. Designate a sober driver or plan to use public transportation or a ride service to get home safely.
- If you see a drunk driver on the road, contact local law enforcement by calling 911 or 208-377-6790.
- If you see a family member or friend about to drive after drinking, take the keys away and make arrangements to get them home safely.
