Extra DUI patrols out in force

SANDPOINT — Idaho State Police troopers are teaming up with local law enforcement agencies throughout the state and the Idaho Transportation Department's Office of Highway Safety to remove intoxicated drivers from roadways and keep families whole during the holiday season.

"We're reminding people if their holiday plans include alcohol, to plan ahead for a safe ride home," said Trooper Tauna Davis.

The goal of the extra patrols is to increase safety on Idaho's roadways by reducing the number of driving under the influence- related crashes.

ITD's Office of Highway Safety said DUI fatalities increased by nearly 27 percent in 2019. Approximately one third of all traffic crash fatalities in the U.S. involve drunk drivers, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.