INDEPENDENCE IMPAIRED DRIVING MOBILIZATION WAVE (IDM) BEGINS JUNE 30, 2012 THROUGH 4TH OF JULY WEEKEND

NEWS RELEASE

The El Paso County Sheriff’s Office Traffic Section in coordination with Patrol Deputies will be conducting a Impaired Driving Mobilization (IDM) Enforcement Wave throughout El Paso County Texas during the period of June 30, 2012 thru July 8, 2012. During the wave enforcement officers will be focused on drivers under the influence. Officers will concentrate on high risk areas where alcohol-related crashes are most frequent. The goal, to take preventive measures and reduce the number of fatal or serious injury collisions.

The Impaired Driving Mobilization (IDM) provides grant money for local law enforcement agencies to conduct driving while intoxicated (DWI) enforcement Waves and increase DWI arrests as part of the statewide "Drink. Drive. Go to Jail" program held in conjunction with the national Impaired Driving Mobilization (IDM) campaign.

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Traffic Operations Division - Traffic Safety Section (TRF-TS) identifies areas of the state with the highest percentages of alcohol related crashes and then invites law enforcement agencies in these areas to participate in the IDM.

About every 20 minutes in Texas, someone is hurt or killed in a crash involving alcohol. Texas has the most drunk driving deaths year after year. Fourth of July weekend has been named the deadliest day and/or weekend for drunk driving on nation’s roadways. In the past 25 years, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, half of the accidents that occur on this holiday weekend involve alcohol.

HOW TO STAY SAFE:

• Don't drink and drive.
• Designate a driver.
• Call a cab.
• Spend the night where you are, if possible
• Plan ahead and make smart choices

http://www.txdot.gov/safety/tips/intoxication.htm