DUI patrol in full force through holiday

Law enforcement patrols will be out in full force over the next couple of weeks as part of the national “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign.

Extra patrols will be concentrated around Kalispell for DUI enforcement starting Aug. 19 and continuing through Sept. 5.

The Kalispell Police Department reports that more than half of Montana’s roadway fatalities involve an impaired driver each year.

“We are on the lookout every day for impaired drivers, but as the summer winds down, more people participate in activities involving alcohol. That’s why we have more officers on duty to encourage every driver to be sober,” according to a press release from the Kalispell Police Department.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, high-visibility enforcement can reduce alcohol-related driving fatalities by as much as 20 percent.

“Arrange for a sober ride before the drinking begins,” Capt. Tim Falkner said. “Because the fun will end abruptly if you’re driving drunk and we stop and arrest you, or worse yet, you get into a crash and injure or kill someone.”

The public is encouraged to report suspected impaired drivers by calling 911.

The best defense against a drunk driver is wearing a seatbelt, according to police.

Extra traffic safety patrols are funded by the Montana Department of Transportation.

This and other enforcement and education campaigns are combined under Vision Zero, the shared vision for zero deaths and zero serious injuries on Montana roadways.