The Boise Police Department says its officers are stepping up patrols to look for distracted and aggressive drivers, starting now and continuing through the winter.
Boise received its first blast of snow last weekend and, with the holiday-travel season approaching, Boise Police traffic officers will be focusing on enforcement and education around safe driving behavior.
“This is a proactive approach to get people driving in a safe and responsible manner during the holiday season,” said Corporal Kyle Wills. “Already this winter, we have responded to a number of crashes and slide-offs due to icy roads. During the winter months, it’s more important than ever to put down the distractions and drive safe.”
“The increased patrols are funded through a grant from the National Office of Highway Safety, and allow specific traffic officers to work solely on winter driving enforcement and education between the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays,” said BPD spokesman Ryan Larrondo. “The officers are focusing on seatbelt usage, distracted driving, and aggressive driving.”
“Our end goal is for everyone to get home safe to their loved ones at the end of the day. The keys to safe driving include slower speeds, gentler stops and turns, and longer following distances,” Wills added.
Officers are encouraging everyone to:
• Keep your vehicle in the best possible driving condition. The lights, tires, brakes, windshield wipers, defroster, and radiator are especially important for winter driving.
• Keep your windows clear. Don't start driving until the windows are defrosted and clean, even if you're going only a short distance. Keep your windshield washer reservoir filled with a non-freezing solution all winter.
• For safety reasons, you should not use cruise control if the road is wet and/or icy.
• Buckle up. All occupants are required to wear safety belts and/or shoulder straps when riding in a vehicle equipped with them.
• Start slowing your car down at least three times sooner than you normally do when turning or stopping.
• When stopping, avoid sudden movements of the steering wheel and pump the brake gently. (Check your vehicle owner's manual; if the vehicle has anti-lock brakes, you may apply steady pressure to the brake pedal.)
• Be aware of potential icy areas such as shady spots, bridges, and overpasses. Ice may form sooner or remain on bridges and overpasses longer, since they are exposed on their undersides and are deprived of ground warmth. Snow and ice also stay longer in shaded areas.
• In Idaho, studded snow tires may be used from October 1 to April 30.
