Extra patrol planned for Fourth holiday

In preparation for the Fourth of July, Kalispell Police and Montana Highway Patrol plan to add extra officers to their holiday patrol.

In a press statement released Wednesday morning, Kalispell Patrol Captain Tim Falkner reminded the public to “drive sober or get pulled over.”

In 2016, July held the record for the highest number of DUI charges in Kalispell and came in just behind June for other alcohol-related offenses, according to the Kalispell Police case and arrest report.

“It’s a holiday — people are going to celebrate,” Falkner said. “As a community, it’s our job to look out for one another and make sure everyone is aware of both the consequences and alternatives to drinking and driving.”

The annual report by the Montana Highway Patrol states that, in Montana, impaired drivers are involved in almost 40 percent of all fatal crashes and in about one of every 10 crashes resulting in injury.

All 50 states outlaw a blood alcohol level of .08 or higher for drivers, and those caught driving above the limit are subject to potential DUI charges and criminal endangerment charges if driving with a passenger. These can lead to a revoked driver’s license, up to $10,000 in fines and possible jail time.

“While one drink may have limited effects on one individual, it may cause substantial impairment to another,” Falkner said. “Even if you’ve only had one drink, it’s not safe to get behind the wheel.”

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, 28 people die in the U.S. every day in an alcohol-related vehicle crash.

To avoid the consequences of driving while intoxicated, authorities encourage those who have been drinking or plan on drinking to arrange a sober ride home or take public transportation.

All drivers out and about on the Fourth are encouraged to wear their seatbelts and report any drunk drivers on the road.

For questions or concerns, contact the Montana Department of Transportation at 406-444-3439.