Havre police: Drive sober or get pulled over

The Havre Police Department has urged people to have a safe, happy celebration of Independence Day Wednesday, but has told people to be careful with alcohol as well as fireworks.

“This Fourth of July, drive sober or you will get pulled over,” the department said in a press release.

From July 2 through the weekend next week, extra patrols will be on the road, the release said.

The release urged everyone to use care.

“The Fourth of July is a widely celebrated holiday, and we know alcohol is often a part of this,” Havre Assistant Police Chief Jason Barkus said in the release. “As a community, it’s our job to look out for one another and make sure everyone is aware of both the consequences and the alternatives to drinking and driving. No one’s celebration should end in tragedy.”

The release warned that everyone has a unique response to alcohol, so while one drink may have limited effects on some people, it may greatly impair another’s ability to drive.

The release said that over the last 10 years, nearly 1,000 Montanans have died in vehicle crashes involving an intoxicated driver. People should plan as the celebrations begin, including designating a sober driver, taking public transportation and offering nonalcoholic drinks.

“Local law enforcement, along with the Montana Highway Patrol, urges all drivers to remain sober, plan for a designated driver or find a safe ride,” the release said.

In all 50 states, driving with a blood-alcohol concentration of .08 is illegal, the release said.

People who are pulled over and found to be impaired and convicted of driving under the influence of intoxicants will have their license revoked and possibly receive jail time and fines up to $1,000,

The stakes increase with each DUI, the release said. To avoid the consequences and get home safely, people should be sure to arrange sober transportation for everyone, report suspected impaired drivers by calling 911 and always buckling up as it continues to be the best defense against impaired drivers, the release said.

Increased traffic safety patrols are funded by the Montana Department of Transportation. This and other enforcement, engineering, emergency medical services and educational campaigns are strategies to reach Vision Zero — zero deaths and zero serious injuries on Montana roadways, the release said.

For more information about Vision Zero, people can contact Charity Watt, Montana Department of Transportation, at 406-444-3439 or via email at [email protected].