Patrols stepped up for holiday

Local law-enforcement officers aren't taking the holiday weekend off; they'll be working overtime on traffic patrol.

"Don't drink and drive. Wear your seat belt," is the advice from Pete Wingert, patrol commander for the Flathead County Sheriff's Office.

The Labor Day weekend is "one of the bad ones" for alcohol-related accidents, he said.

Law enforcement will give out vouchers for free rides home for people who have had too much to drink to drive safely. Provided by the Safe Kids, Safe Communities program, the Operation Taxi Cab vouchers are available by contacting law-enforcement agencies.

Wingert reminds drivers that DUIs are costly mistakes. Aside from the risks of injuries or damages, DUIs generally cost $3,000 to $5,000 in fines, increased insurance costs and attorney fees, he said.

The sheriff's office has two extra officers scheduled for patrol Friday night through Monday.

"We'll be out in force," he said.

So will the Montana Highway Patrol.

"We will have as many troopers on the road as possible," said Sgt. Steve Lavin of the Kalispell patrol office. He expects a couple of extra officers on patrol.

They will target areas where accidents and DUIs are common, he said.

Troopers will look for impaired drivers, seat-belt violations, and speeders.