Impaired drivers targeted

The Kootenai County Sheriff’s Department will conduct an impaired-driving emphasis patrol from today until July 12.

Deputies will be looking for drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol in an effort to reduce injury accidents, the department said in a news release.

In 2006, there were 110 deaths due to impaired driving in Idaho. That number rose to 197 in 2007, then dipped to 175 in 2008, the release said.

The impaired-driving emphasis is sponsored by the Idaho Transportation Department, Office of Highway Operations and Safety.