06-29-20 Police Dept. Press Release_ Plan for a Sober Ride - Increased Patrols Watching for Impaired Driving Over Fourth of JulyFrom:City Clerk
To:Aimee Brunckhorst
Subject:[EXTERNAL] Police Dept. Press Release: Plan for a Sober Ride - Increased Patrols Watching for Impaired DrivingOver Fourth of July
Date:Monday, June 29, 2020 8:36:12 AM
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Plan for a Sober Ride: Increased Patrols Watching forImpaired Driving Over Fourth of July
Law enforcement out in full force for the holiday in Kalispell
Fourth of July and the celebration of our country’s independence brings manythings to mind – family, friends, food, and fireworks. But all too often, alcoholand driving are added to the mix with tragic results. Law enforcement isincreasing patrols on the roads in Kalispell, along with the Montana HighwayPatrol statewide, around the Fourth of July holiday to remind motorists to drivesober or get pulled over.
Summer is the deadliest time of year for motor vehicle crashes, over the last
decade 48% of all fatal crashes and 45% of all serious injury crashes in
Montana occurred between June and September – the period of time known
nationally as the “100 Deadliest Days.” Historically, the 100 Deadliest Days in
Montana has represented 50% of the annual roadway fatalities involving an
impaired driver. (2010-2019).[i]
“There is no excuse for driving while impaired,” said Sgt C. Zimmerman. “It’s
every driver’s responsibility to be sober and take traffic safety seriously – for
themselves, their friends and family, and everyone else on the road."
Sgt Zimmerman encourages everyone to make a responsible plan before the
Fourth of July celebrations begin; whether that means having a designated
driver, calling a cab, ordering a ride share or offering a sober ride to others if
you’re not drinking. It is illegal to drive in Montana with a BAC (blood alcohol
content) of .08 or higher, and the consequences include a DUI charge, having
your driver’s license revoked, mandatory classes, possible jail time, and up to
$10,000 in fines and legal fees. Unfortunately, in the event of an impaired
driving crash, the cost can be serious injury or even death.
This Fourth of July celebrate your freedom by making the right choice. If you
choose to drink, plan ahead for a safe, sober ride. Do your part to help
Montana reach Vision Zero – zero deaths and zero serious injuries on our
roads – by always driving sober, buckling up and calling 911 to report
suspected impaired driving.
This is a Vision Zero Message from the Montana Department of Transportation.
This and other enforcement and educational campaigns are strategies to reach
Vision Zero — zero deaths and zero serious injuries on Montana roadways. For
more information about Vision Zero, contact Janet Kenny, Montana Department
of Transportation, (406) 444- 7417, jakenny@mt.gov
[i] https://www.mdt.mt.gov/publications/datastats/crashdata.shtml
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