As the Fourth of July weekend approaches, Flathead County Sheriff’s Department and the Montana Highway Patrol (MHP) are encouraging Montanans to plan a sober ride home before they celebrate. The Fourth is one of the deadliest holidays in Montana, and we will be increasing patrols across the state and making DUI arrests to ensure every Montanan gets home safely. MHP and the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) are committed to reducing fatalities and serious injuries on Montana’s roadways.
State law is that if drivers have a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or higher, they could receive a DUI charge and other serious consequences, including having their driver’s license revoked, being required to take mandatory classes, and receiving possible jail time and up to $10,000 in fines and legal fees.
“We want you to celebrate the holiday safely. If you’re heading out, plan for a safe ride home,” says Flathead County Sheriff Brian Heino. “Volunteer to be the sober driver, arrange for a rideshare service, or call a friend or family member. If you see someone who has had too much to drink, make sure they have a sober ride home, too.”
Why is law enforcement on high alert during the holiday weekend? These are Montana’s sobering statistics:
+ Montana has the highest fatality rates in the nation for the number of deaths caused by impaired drivers per vehicle mile traveled
+ The state has the highest share of alcohol-related traffic deaths at 45% (2021)
+ 63% of all traffic fatalities in Montana are the result of impaired driving (2021)
+ 1,268 people were killed in crashes involving an alcohol-impaired driver from 2012-2021
“By making a plan before you go out, you’ll help keep our roads safer for everyone and protect your community,” continues Heino. “Make sure you celebrate responsibly this weekend and heading into the Fourth. Together we can keep our community safe.”