April is ‘ALCOHOL AWARENESS MONTH’ and Richland County DUI Task Force and District II Alcohol and Drug Program work diligently throughout the year to bring education, awareness, prevention and treatment to the community, with focus on alcohol issues. Collection of data, awareness campaigns, trainings and policy development are all part of the effort to make Richland County a safe and healthy place to live.
In 2014 there were 319 DUIs, which was an increase of 104 DUIs over 2013, with numbers steadily increasing over the last four years. Why the increase? There are several factors that were discussed at the quarterly DUI Task Force meeting.
The community needs to looks at the increase in vehicle traffic, and the increased residents and visitors alike from the Bakken oil boom. Local establishments are busier than they have been in years past.
The RADD (Report a Drunk Driver) program has given the community accountability and ability to report impaired drivers. The community is sending out the message ‘if you drink and drive you will be reported’.
Montana Highway Patrol, Richland County Sheriff’s Office and Sidney & Fairview Police Departments are putting emphasis on reducing DUIs in our communities. With changes the Bakken Boom has placed on our community, law enforcement has also been changing to keep up with increased area of needs. Increased staffing and training of officers has led to higher traffic stop rates. Training and diligence of judges and prosecutors has had a positive impact on DUI prosecution rates; DUIs are not being pled down but prosecuted as written.
It is important for the community to remember that when DUI rates go up, it is not always because of an increase in drinking and driving. It can be due to an increase in enforcement efforts, with more people being pulled over for drinking and driving. However with consistency in education, awareness and consequences, the DUI rates should decline. The community will slowly change and create a safer environment.
Creating a safer community will take all of us getting involved in education, awareness, safe choices, and enforcement. For more information or to become involved and make a difference call Richland County DUI Task Force 406-433-2207 or District II Drug and Alcohol 406-433-4097.
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