Montanans: Plan for a Sober Ride This Labor Day

Valley County Sheriff’s Office, Glasgow Police Department, and the Montana Highway Patrol are increasing their presence during the Labor Day weekend

Montana has the highest share of alcohol-related traffic deaths in the U.S. with 8.57 alcohol-impaired drivers involved in fatal crashes for every 100,000 licensed drivers

Labor Day marks the end of the “100 Deadliest Days,” the period where most traffic fatalities occur in Montana and nationwide

As Labor Day weekend approaches, the Valley County Sheriff’s Office, Glasgow Police Department, Valley County DUI Task Force and the Montana Highway Patrol (MHP) are encouraging Montanans to plan a sober ride home before they celebrate. Labor Day weekend is the final three days of the “100 Deadliest Days,” the period where most traffic fatalities occur. MHP will be increasing patrols across the state and with an emphasis on stopping impaired drivers to help ensure Montanans get home safely this holiday weekend. MHP and the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) are committed to reducing fatalities and injuries on Montana’s roadways.

Per Montana state law, if drivers have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or higher, they could receive a DUI charge and other serious consequences, including having their driver’s license revoked, being required to take mandatory classes, and receiving possible jail time, as well as up to $10,000 in fines and legal fees.

“Taking a minute out of your day to plan for a sober ride home can save lives and keep families and communities intact,” said Undersheriff Chris Richter. “Labor Day weekend is full of travel, and the last thing we need in our communities is an easily preventable tragedy. We need to work together to ensure everyone celebrates responsibly and safely, and that we’re all here for next summer’s festivities, too.”

MHP is on high alert during the holiday weekend because of Montana’s sobering statistics:

Montana has the highest fatality rates in the nation for the number of deaths caused by impaired drivers per vehicle mile traveled.

The state has the highest share of alcohol-related traffic deaths at 45% (2021).

63 percent of all traffic fatalities in Montana are the result of impaired driving (2021).

1,268 people were killed in crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver from 2012-2021.

“By designating a sober driver or using a ride share or taxi service, you’re making our community safer,” “Failing to make a plan is planning to fail, and we want every Montanan to succeed. By having a plan before anyone starts drinking, you’re setting yourself and your community up for success.”

Montana Department of Transportation — Vision Zero

This is a Vision Zero message from the Montana Department of Transportation. This and other enforcement and educational campaigns are strategies to reach Vision Zero — zero deaths and zero serious injuries on Montana roadways. For more information about Vision Zero, contact Tammy Ross, Montana Department of Transportation, 406-444-9192 or [email protected].