EBS STAFF
A Dec. 7 news release from the Montana Department of Transportation shared news about Belgrade Police Department and Montana Highway Patrol’s efforts to curb unsafe driving over the holidays.
The time period within Dec. 15 and Jan.1 has a “high concentration of impaired driving crashes and crash fatalities,” the release stated. The release cited MDT’s Vision Zero campaign goal—Gallatin County as well as MHP and MDT are aiming to reduce these numbers.
“Law enforcement partners across the state will be increasing patrols through the winter holidays and making Driving Under the Influence (DUI) arrests as part of the effort to help Montanans get home safely,” the release stated.
Dustin Lensing, Belgrade’s chief of police, stated that anyone drinking during the holiday season should make plans for a safe, sober ride home.
“Whether it’s designating a sober driver or arranging to stay at a friend or family member’s home if you’re drinking, having that plan ensures our community stays safe,” Lensing stated.
In Montana, a driver with a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher can be arrested and face a DUI charge as well as having their driver’s license revoked, being required to take mandatory classes and receiving possible jail time.
According to the release, Montana has the highest fatality rate in the U.S. for deaths caused by impaired driving. “In the last three years, over 60% of Montana’s crash fatalities have involved an impaired driver,” the release stated.
