HAVRE, Mont. (NMB) – The Montana Highway Patrol and local law enforcement want to remind the public that there will be increased patrols through the New Year’s holiday.
Highway Patrol Sergeant Jay Nelson says that law enforcement will be on the lookout for impaired drivers.
“We understand that there’s Christmas parties and gatherings and family get-togethers. And we want everyone to enjoy those times. But we also want everybody to be safe. We’re going to be looking for impaired drivers, as we know that an increase in impaired driving occurs over this time. So we want to make sure everybody has fun, but not getting behind the wheel.”
Nelson says Montana has seen a nearly 20 percent increase in fatal crashes over the last two years, with a large majority having alcohol or drug use as a contributing factor.
“There’s a lot of vehicles out there. So we’re doing the best we can during this time. And we realize there’s an increase of impaired drivers over the holiday season. We want to be out there to make sure that nobody ends up in a tragedy.”
Along with harming yourself and others, impaired driving can lead to a DUI on your record, jail time, fines, and your license being revoked.
Report suspected impaired drivers by dialing 9-1-1, and always wear your seat belt.
