Slow, sober driving encouraged during holidays
Snow blanketing the ground and holiday drinks with friends might make for some good times as Christmas and New Year’s festivities approach, but those conditions can also make getting home safe and sound a bit tricky or even treacherous.
Authorities will be out in force during the next two weeks cracking down on impaired drivers, encouraging folks to get sober rides home and asking people to slow down as they travel.
In the past decade, 25 of the 49 fatalities that occurred on Montana roads during the two-week time frame around Christmas and New Year’s Day had an impaired driver involved. Last year 116 traffic fatalities related to an impaired driver happened in Montana. That number made up nearly 60 percent of the total number of crash fatalities in the state.
The state Legislature voted this year to crack down on the problem by doubling fines for DUI citations.
“If you choose to drive after drinking, you are risking a high-cost increase in your holiday spending, not to mention the safety of yourself and others,” said Mike Tooley, director of the Montana Department of Transportation, said in a press release.
Drunk drivers can now be fined $600 to $1,000 and face six months in jail. A conviction can also result in court-ordered treatment, license reinstatement and other costs that can total up to $10,000.
More Montana Highway Patrol officers will be on extra patrol locally until Jan. 2 as part of the “Drive Sober, Don’t Get Pulled Over” national campaign.
During the holiday season last year Montana Highway Patrol issued 143 citations for impaired driving and 496 occupant protection citations.
“Please celebrate your family traditions responsibly and utilize designated drivers,” said Col. Tom Butler, Montana Highway Patrol chief administrator.
Locally, Mountainwest AAA conducts Operation Tipsy Tow to help get impaired people home without driving.
Those who have been drinking can call Operation Tipsy Tow at (800) AAA-HELP (222-4357) for a free and confidential ride home and vehicle tow of up to 10 miles inside Kalispell and Whitefish city limits.
The program began Friday and runs through Jan. 3 at 8 a.m. The service can be used as many times as needed by anyone. Oh’s Body Shop is participating in the Kalispell/Whitefish area.
“Operation Tipsy Tow is growing every year in terms of the number of people who use the program,” AAA spokeswoman Anna O’Donnell said. “We’re proud of that fact because it means more and more Montanans are making responsible choices while celebrating the holidays. If the program takes even one would-be impaired driver off the road this year, Operation Tipsy Tow will be a success.”
Even if a sober friend is available to drive, officials have also issued reminders that winter driving conditions can be adverse for even the most sober, most experienced drivers.
“Be aware of your surroundings,” Montana Highway Patrol Sgt. Roy Christensen said after the first snowfall of the year caused dozens of slide-offs. “The road conditions can change in a heartbeat.”
He gave the following tips for driving in winter weather:
- If road conditions are adverse and it is not necessary to leave the house, stay home.
- Slow down and increase distance between vehicles
- Allow extra time for travel to avoid rushing to the destination.
- Always wear a seat belt.