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Police to crack down on holiday drunken driving

The Havre Police Department will be searching for impaired drivers during the holiday season. Through Jan. 1, the Montana Highway Patrol and law enforcement across the state will add extra patrols during the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” national crackdown. Havre police officers are among those adding patrols.

  “The best way to keep the holidays happy is to make sure the person behind the wheel is sober. Plan for a designated driver, call a buddy or use one of the local services,” said Havre Police Chief Gabe Matosich.

DUI arrests are part of an ongoing effort to reduce deadly drinking and driving in the state. Montana court records show that 10,155 impaired driving charges were filed in 2012.

“Preventing drunk or impaired driving is a team effort. Our officers take time away from their own families during the holidays to help prevent the tragedies that result from drinking and driving. Citizens can do their part by promoting sober driving and safe transportation among their relatives, friends and coworkers,” said Matosich.   

  The Montana Department of Transportation and law enforcement agencies are asking 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, 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 911 to report an impaired driver. 

• Buckle up every person, every time.

  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 http://www.plan2live.mt.gov.

 

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