Extra Enforcement, Rides Offered

As part of the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” crackdown, law enforcement agencies across Montana will deploy extra patrols for the specific purpose of deterring and detecting impaired drivers during the holiday season. Saturation patrols for DUI enforcement are set for Dec. 13 through Jan. 1. The Valley County Sheriff’s Office will be working closely with the Montana Highway Patrol and the Glasgow Police Department during these patrol efforts.

It is our intention of proactively deploying extra officers on the roads to increase incentive for folks to plan a sober ride home. DUI arrests are a part of an ongoing effort to reduce deadly drinking and driving behavior in the state. In the last decade, impaired drivers were involved in nearly 50 percent of all fatal crashes. It’s a serious task to get impaired drivers off the road. We work hard to prevent the tragedies that result from drinking and driving, but we count on the public to participate in this effort.

The Montana Department of Transportation and law enforcement throughout Valley County are asking drivers and members of the public to do their part to save lives and prevent injuries on the roads. Here are some tips this holiday season:

Alcohol can also enhance the side effects of medication. Avoid mixing alcohol with any medications, and ask your doctor about possible consequences of doing so.

If you plan to drink at a party, bar or restaurant, have a sober friend do the driving, or find another 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.

The best defense against a drunk driver is wearing a seatbelt; everyone, every trip, and every time.

Extra traffic safety patrols are funded by the Montana Department of Transportation. This and other enforcement and education campaigns are combined under Vision Zero, the shared vision for zero deaths and zero serious injuries on Montana roadways. For more information, contact Charity Watt, Montana Department of Transportation 406-444-3439.

Valley County Deputy Chris Richter is also the DUI Task Force Coordinator. Deputy Richter had this to say about free rides provided annually by Search and Rescue, “This will be the third year the DUI Task Force will be donating to the Valley County Search and Rescue. This provides free services for a sober ride home during New Year’s Eve celebrations. Each year has been a success and the annual number of requested services keeps growing. Last year, the Search and Rescue provided 245 free rides. This free service provides transportation needs throughout Valley County. I am very pleased with the number of people utilizing these transportation services. The DUI Task Force’s first priority is to prevent impaired driving and by supporting the Search and Rescue during New Year’s Eve I think we prevent a lot of impaired drivers from getting on the roadway. It is a great service to the community and we want to see this service continue every year. We highly encourage people to take advantage of this free service. We hope people enjoy the holidays but at the same time we want to keep everyone safe. There will be more information on the Search and Rescue rides during New Year’s Eve, after Christmas.”

To reach Search and Rescue for a ride on NYE, call Randy Isakson at 406-263-2193.