News Story - Idaho State Journal

POCATELLO -- Law enforcement will step up patrols through Sept. 3 to search for impaired drivers, thanks to a grant from the Idaho Department of Transportation. The IDT grant will help pay for overtime shifts over the next six days.

Idaho State Police Sgt. Mike Winans said his department's goal is to have a strong trooper presence through Wednesday.

"For example, in the I-15 corridor, we're going to saturate the area with troopers all the way from Brigham City to north of Idaho Falls," Winans said.

"We're going to be partnering with Utah Highway Patrol and ISP in Region Six up there in Idaho Falls," he said. "The goal is to try get troopers out there spaced

every 10 miles so motorists can see them."

While the Labor Day holiday provides a longer break from work for the public, it's work as usual -- or even accelerated -- for law enforcement.

"It's a typical holiday weekend where we see an increase in (impaired driving)," Winans said. "Everybody that's scheduled to work is going to be working. We're going to try to put out as many people as we can."

The Idaho Transportation Department reminds everyone:

- If you plan to drink, choose a designated driver before going out.

- Take a taxi or ask a sober friend to drive you home.

- Spend the night where the activity is being held.

- Report impaired drivers to law enforcement.

- Always buckle up it is your best defense against an impaired driver.

This document was originally published online on Saturday, August 30, 2008

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