Helena – Montana law enforcement agencies are adding extra patrols to actively search for impaired drivers from December 10 through January 1 during the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” national DUI crackdown. The Montana Highway Patrol will add shifts across the state. The Safety Enforcement Traffic Team (SETT), specializing in high-risk impaired driving enforcement, will be deployed in Gallatin and Missoula counties.
Local police and county sheriffs are participating in six of Montana’s most populous regions and in rural locations across the state. Impaired driving laws will be strictly enforced.
“Impaired driving crashes are preventable—if we end these crashes, one of the most deadly activities in our state is out of action. The bad decisions of impaired drivers are costly to Montana families and communities, and take a high toll on law enforcement and emergency medical services,” stated Mike Tooley, director of the Montana Department of Transportation.
Montana court records show that 10,155 impaired driving charges were filed in 2012.
“A DUI will wreck your holiday,” said Tooley. “Enjoy the season, but plan ahead for a sober ride home.”
The Montana Department of Transportation and law enforcement are asking Montana drivers and members of the public to do their part to prevent impaired driving. Here are some tips this holiday season:
Even one drink can impair judgment and reaction time—increasing the risk of a crash.
Alcohol can enhance the side effects of medication. Avoid mixing alcohol with any medications, and ask your doctor about possible consequences if you do.
If you plan to drink at a party, bar or restaurant, have a sober friend do the driving, or find another sober-ride alternative.
Expect your friends and family to have a sober driver and let them know it.
Provide safe transportation for your party guests—as well as non-alcoholic beverages.
Call 9-1-1 to report an impaired driver.
Buckle up every person, every trip.
Diligent enforcement of the state’s traffic laws is critical to Montana’s Vision Zero goal to eliminate roadway deaths and serious injuries. Law enforcement agencies participating in extra patrols are funded by the Montana Department of Transportation as one of several strategic partnerships to reduce impaired driving in the state. For more information, visit plan2live.mt.gov or #VisionZeroMT.
Reader Comments(0)