Police cracking down on drinking and driving during the holiday season

ISP and local law enforcement are making a push to get drunk drivers off the road this holiday season. Between Thanksgiving and New Years is the most dangerous time of year for drinking driving accidents.

50 law enforcement agencies across the state banded together to put more officers on the road to keep an eye out for drunk drivers. Last year, 292 people were arrested for drunk driving statewide. According to the CDC, Idaho is ranked 11th worst state for DUI related issues. Overall, there was a 32% increase from last year.

Lt. Mike Winans from District 5 in Bannock county says, “If you have any idea that you’re going to be out there drinking alcohol… any alcohol at all, have a plan in place before that so you don’t end up in the backseat of a patrol car… We will treat you like a criminal because it is a criminal offense.”

This year, they hope to decrease that number by letting people know, that they’ll be on high alert. And the consequences are harsh…

“You go to jail, you get your car impounded… you can look at jail time. You can look at the fines imposed on them.”

Other than putting your life and others on the line, the fines are anything but cheap. Ashley Graham, Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for Bannock County says the financial burden is extensive. “You’re going to have to pay $500 to reinstate your driver’s license and after that, you’re going to be required to carry SR22 insurance. So there a lot more involved a lot more penalties and most of them financial for getting a DUI.”

Drinking and driving can easily be avoided by using various travel apps as well as local taxi services. Law enforcement is urging people to make a set plan prior to evening plans to avoid driving under the influence. Always have a sober driver whenever you plan to drink alcohol.