Law enforcement: Celebrate responsibly - drive sober or get pulled over

Staff and wire report

Local law enforcement is telling people they need to celebrate the holidays safely, or they may face the consequences of drinking and driving.

“As you make plans to celebrate with friends and family, also make plans to have a safe ride home by designating a sober driver or or using a rideshare service,” a release from Havre Police Department said. “Don’t spend your holidays in jail, or worse in an ambulance.”

The release said increased law enforcement patrols will be out in Havre and Hill County in the weeks leading up to Christmas and through the New Year’s holiday watching for impaired drivers and to educate motorists.

“The holidays are a wonderful time for everyone to enjoy,” Havre Police Chief Gabe Matosich said in the release. “Unfortunately, they can also be a deadly time for some Montana families. It’s up to all of us to celebrate responsibly, and that means never driving impaired, always wearing your seat belt and making sure your friends and family do the same.”

The release cites data collected by Montana Department of Transportation showing that, as of Dec. 13, 231 people have died in 2021 due to vehicle crashes compared to 198 fatalities for the same period in 2020. Of the deaths in 2021, 130 have been due to impaired driving and 118 have been due to improper restraint, it said.

It added that the consequences of drunk driving include having a DUI added to the driver’s record, a revoked driver’s license, mandatory classes, possible jail time, probation and up to $10,000 in fines.

“Report suspected impaired drivers by dialing 911 and always wear your seat belt, as it continues to be the best defense against impaired drivers,” the release said.