Montanans: Plan for a Sober Ride This Labor Day Holiday

Local law enforcement and the Montana Highway Patrol are increasing their presence and patrols during the Labor Day weekend

Montana has the highest share of alcohol-related traffic deaths in the U.S. at 45%. In 2021, 63% of all fatalities were the result of impaired driving

To ensure the safety of communities across Montana, law enforcement encourages residents to make a plan to get a sober ride home before they start drinking and celebrating during the Labor Day weekend

Labor Day marks the end of the “100 Deadliest Days,” the period where most traffic fatalities occur in Montana and nationwide

As Labor Day weekend approaches, Valley County Sheriff’s Office, Glasgow Police Department, and the Montana Highway Patrol (MHP) are encouraging Montanans to plan a sober ride home before they celebrate. Labor Day weekend is the final three days of the “100 Deadliest Days,” the period where most traffic fatalities occur. MHP will be increasing patrols across the state and making DUI arrests to ensure every Montanan gets home safely this holiday weekend. MHP and the Montana Department of Transportation (MDT) are committed to reducing fatalities and severe injuries on Montana’s roadways.

According to MDT, 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, as well as up to $10,000 in fines and legal fees.

“We want everyone to enjoy the holiday weekend, so make sure you plan for a sober ride home,” Under Sheriff Chris Richter. “Labor Day weekend is full of travel and end-of-summer get-togethers. To make sure we’re all able to have fun safely, start your weekend by making a plan. Whether you’re hanging by the river or going to a BBQ, always use a sober ride.”

MHP is on high alert during the holiday weekend because of 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 designating a sober driver or using a rideshare or taxi service, you’re making our community safer,” said Under Sheriff Richter “Make sure you celebrate responsibly as you gather with friends and family for the end of summer. Together we can keep our community safe.”

Montana Department of Transportation — Vision Zero

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, at 406-444-7417 or [email protected].