Missoula police and the Montana Highway Patrol said they planned extra patrols for the Fourth of July weekend as more drivers were expected on Montana roads.
Ethan Jamba NonStop Local ReporterMissoula, Mont. — Missoula police and the Montana Highway Patrol said they planned extra patrols for the Fourth of July weekend as more drivers were expected on Montana roads.
Officers said the safest choice starts before anyone begins drinking. They urged people to make a plan ahead of time to avoid driving impaired.
Missoula Police Department Sgt. Tyler Swartz said the goal was for people to celebrate and get home safely.
“We want people to have fun and celebrate the holiday. We also want them to be safe while doing it. So I feel like if you’re if you had a plan on drinking, just make sure you designate a sober driver before you go home,” said Swartz.
That plan could include a sober driver, a rideshare, a taxi or a place to stay. Officers also said leaving a car overnight was the better choice.
Swartz explained that a DUI can cost upwards of $10,000 once legal fees, fines and other expenses are added in. He also said impairment can come from more than alcohol.
Prescription medications, other drugs or a mix of substances can make someone unsafe to drive. Swartz said alcohol can affect vision, coordination and reaction time before a driver reaches the 0.08 legal limit.
Officers asked people to call 911 right away if they believe a driver is impaired. Montana Highway Patrol troopers said details about the person and the vehicle can help.
“The best thing to do is, you know, call 911 and give a good description of the driver like what they’re wearing, what they look like, long hair, short hair, clothing description and then a good description of the vehicle as well,” said Trooper Nick Navarro.
Programs like the Montana Bar Fairies also reward people who leave their cars overnight with coffee gift cards.
Originally published on montanarightnow.com, part of the BLOX Digital Content Exchange.
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