Local Law Enforcement Will Step Up Patrols for the Holidays

Look for an increase in law enforcement patrols in all areas of Gallatin County leading up to Christmas and lasting over the New Year to keep Montana’s roads free of impaired drivers. All of the local law enforcement agencies will be working together to encourage all drivers to drive sober this holiday or find a sober ride.

Bozeman area law enforcement agencies want you to know there is zero tolerance for impaired drivers in Gallatin County and Montana.  They're asking folks to: “Please, plan ahead, if you plan to drink, have sober transportation already organized for a safe trip home. If you do not plan on drink during the holidays, consider being designated driver to friends and loved ones. Just think of the lives you could save."

More celebrations happen this time of year than any other as families and friends travel to spend time with each other. Nationally, 885 people lost their lives in traffic crashes involving a drunk driver during the month of December 2017. In Montana, one tenth of the year’s impaired driving crashes happen in December.

The good news is that Montanans have successfully decreased the number of alcohol-related incidents around the holidays over the last two years. Consequences of impaired driving include a DUI, having your license revoked, possible jail time, and up to $10,000 in fines.

Download NHTSA’s SaferRide mobile app, Uber, or Lyft prior to leaving home so you are prepared. Designate a sober driver. Ask someone to call you a ride. If you see a suspected impaired driver, report it by calling 911.