As the University of Idaho gears up for another vibrant Homecoming week, the air around campus buzzes with excitement, marching band practices echo across the Palouse, the streets are painted with Vandal pride and alumni return to relive memories that shaped their lives. But amid the celebrations, there’s another reality that deserves attention: the rise in cases of driving under the influence.
Homecoming is one of the most anticipated times of year for students, alumni and Moscow residents alike. From parades to tailgates to the big game at the P1FCU Kibbie Dome, the week is a celebration of community and school spirit. Yet, it’s also a week when alcohol consumption is higher than normal, and that can have dangerous consequences.
Moscow Police Officer John Rosinsky explained that, while data doesn’t always show a consistent spike in DUI arrests during Homecoming week, the nature of the festivities makes it a riskier time.
“I couldn’t necessarily say that they are higher or lower,” Rosinsky said. “We know that Homecoming is a time where it brings our community together, where alcohol consumption may be greater, specifically [during] things like the Homecoming parade and the football game. Because, during football games, we know that you spend a lot of time with people drinking and tailgating. So, I would say that could be a possibility where the DUIs could be higher.”
Rosinsky emphasized that drinking and driving is taken seriously in Moscow, with a zero-tolerance policy. His advice to students and fans celebrating this week is simple but vital: create a plan.
“If you are drinking during the tailgate, always have someone sober that you ride with,” he said. “Always have a contact with somebody who you can call, because in Moscow, drinking and driving is a zero tolerance, definitely within the police department.”
That reminder is critical especially in a college town where enthusiasm can easily blur into recklessness. While it’s tempting to believe that one drink won’t hurt, the reality is that even a small lapse in judgment can change lives in an instant. There are always campus resources to use like the Vandal Safe Walk or the student Lyft credits that renew every month. Make sure you know how you will be getting home if you plan to drink.
Drunk driving remains one of Idaho’s most persistent safety concerns. According to state crash reports, alcohol-impaired driving accounts for roughly one-third of all traffic fatalities in Idaho each year. Homecoming weekend, with its energy and emotion, creates the perfect storm for risky decisions particularly among young drivers.
When asked if he thought Homecoming itself encourages people to drink more, Rosinsky was clear that the event isn’t the root cause.
“I wouldn’t necessarily say the act of Homecoming is making people drink more,” Rosinsky said. “I think people are going to drink no matter what in the city of Moscow. I just think because of things that bring the community together again, like the football game and maybe the parade and stuff like that, those are a certain area, specifically more like the football game, where we’re going to probably see more people drink.”
In other words, Homecoming doesn’t cause the problem, but it can create the conditions where the problem thrives.
That’s where personal responsibility and community awareness come in. UI and local organizations often promote designated driver programs, safe ride options and public safety campaigns during big events. But those efforts only work if people use them.
Homecoming should be a time to celebrate the university’s history and pride, not a time when lives are put at risk. Whether you’re a student, an alum or just a fan, taking the extra step to plan a sober ride home could save a life.
As Vandals flood back to Moscow this week, let’s make sure the stories told after Homecoming are about touchdowns and reunion, not tragedy.
AJ Pearman can be reached at [email protected].