Please be careful this New Years Eve!

CONTACT: Undersheriff Brian Gootkin, 582-2125, gallatin.mt.gov/sheriff

There Are No Festivities in Jail
Remember: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over

Gallatin County— As you celebrate the holiday season enjoying traditions, food, family and fun, keep in mind that the Gallatin County Sheriff’s Office will be stepping up traffic patrols through the beginning of the New Year.

“We’ll be concentrating on keeping impaired drivers off the road, deterring speeding and encouraging the proper use of seat belts and child restraints,” said Undersheriff Brian Gootkin. “This is a time of year with many parties and celebrating, but there is nothing to celebrate if you get a DUI, crash your vehicle, or injure or kill someone.”

Undersheriff Gootkin stressed the extra enforcement presence is to keep everyone safe on Montana’s roads. He also offered these reminders for safety:
• Designate a Driver. Before the fun begins know who is your sober driver.
• Arrange for a Pick Up. The designated driver doesn’t have to be at the party, as long as he/she is willing to drop off and pick up party goers.
• Keep Ride Options on Speed Dial. Be it a taxi, friend, neighbor, or parent, have that go-to number programed in your phone.
• Use A Ride Home Program.
• Plan Your Own Ride Program. As a party host, have a plan with taxis or designated drivers to get your guests home safely.
• Plan to Spend the Night. Crashing on a couch is better than crashing a car. If you’re going to a house party, why not spend the night?
• Call a Taxi.
• Know Your Limit. Using a blood alcohol calculator can provide a general idea of blood alcohol levels, which is good thing to know, even if you’re not driving.

A blood alcohol calculator and other ideas are available at Plan2Live.mt.gov.

“We’d rather everyone make the choice to have a sober driver than to risk a DUI or worse, ” said Undersheriff Gootkin.

The additional patrols are funded by the Montana Department of Transportation Selective Traffic Enforcement Programs (STEP) grants.

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