August 20, 2009
Law enforcement mobilizes against impaired driving
Driving under the influence is one of America’s deadliest crimes.
In 2008, one in 10 reported crashes in Montana was alcohol and/or drug-related, and four out of 10 fatal crashes in Montana had alcohol and/or drugs involved.
To date, initial reports from the Montana Highway Patrol indicate more than a nine percent increase in alcohol-related traffic fatalities from last year, and as of Aug. 17 the number of fatalities on Montana roads is two percent higher than this time last year.
The Montana Department of Transportation’s goal is to save lives and prevent highway fatalities. That’s why MDT is supporting law enforcement overtime and extra patrols during this peak travel period as summer in Montana winds down. Statewide law enforcement agencies will be joining thousands of other law enforcement and highway safety agencies across the nation from Aug. 21 through the Labor Day holiday (Sept. 7) in the Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest. statewide and national impaired driving campaign.
“One of our highest priorities is to reduce the number of highway fatalities,” MDT Director Jim Lynch said. “High visibility law enforcement is one tool to improve safety for Montana motorists, but we need everyone to do their part and to make smart, safe choices.”
The Montana Department of Transportation offers these tips for having a safe Labor Day weekend:
• Whenever you plan on consuming alcohol, designate a sober driver before going out and give that person your keys.
• If you’re impaired, call a taxi, use public transit or call a sober friend or family member to get you home safely.
• Use your community’s sober ride program.
• Promptly report suspected impaired drivers to law enforcement.
• Wearing your safety belt while in a vehicle or using a helmet and protective gear when on a motorcycle is your best defense against an impaired driver.
• “Friends Don’t Let Friends Drive Drunk.” If you know someone who is about to drive while impaired, take his or her keys and help make other transportation arrangements.
The national Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest. impaired driving crackdown is a prevention program organized by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). Law enforcement will be out in force Aug. 21-Sept. 7 with extra patrols to prevent impaired driving and improve traffic safety. MDT is providing funding for additional patrols and overtime for the Montana Highway Patrol, the Montana Sheriffs and Peace Officers Association and police and sheriffs departments. Sixty-three agencies across the state are participating.
“We want everyone on the road to enjoy the beauty of summer in Montana and get home safely,” Lynch said.
Tribal law enforcement steps up patrols
PABLO — Confederated Salish & Kootenai tribal police officers will be out in full force during the Labor Day holiday period, beginning Aug. 21. They will join thousands of other law enforcement and highway safety agencies throughout the nation as they take part in the Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest crackdown on impaired driving. The enforcement blitz will last through the holiday weekend.
Drunk driving is one of America’s deadliest crimes. Since 2003, 34 people died on the Flathead Reservation due to alcohol-related motor vehicle crashes. Over 80 percent of the fatalities on the roadway involved alcohol. Police officers will step up patrols through the Labor Day holiday in an effort to keep drunk drivers off the roads.
“The tragedy is that impaired drivers hurt and kill innocent people. Our goal is to travel safe for everyone,” Tribal Police Chief Craige Couture said. “You can help by making sure friends and family members don’t get behind the wheel if they have been drinking. If you plan to drink, make sure you’ve got someone else to be the sober driver.”
Ronan City Police and the Montana Highway Patrol will also be participating in the crackdown. Overtime and additional patrols are supported by the Montana Department of Transportation State Highway Traffic Safety Bureau with funding from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
For information about the Labor Day law enforcement crackdown, visit www. Stopimpaireddriving.org
|
.jpg)
