Law enforcement officers in Bismarck will be doing extra enforcement over the Labor Day weekend concentrating on impaired drivers. The Bismarck Police Department will be doing saturation patrol on September 3rd through September 6th in Bismarck.
Impaired driving affects thousands of Americans traveling every year. Every hour, drivers are arrested for driving under the influence or driving while intoxicated and, for many, this will not be their first offense. Nationwide, one person every 45 minutes, approximately 32 people a day, died in traffic crashes involving a vehicle driver or a motorcycle operator with an alcohol concentration above the legal limit.
In 2009, there were 140 fatalities on North Dakota roadways. Alcohol use and a lack of seat belts continue to be contributing factors in crashes. Alcohol was a contributing factor in 56 of the 140 fatalities (40 percent).
In an effort to continue decreasing alcohol-related crashes, law enforcement agencies across the state are determined to get drunk drivers off the roads. “We will have additional officers working over the Labor Day weekend to get more drunk drivers off the road and save lives that might otherwise be lost,” said Bismarck Police Traffic Sergeant Jeff Solemsaas.
Alcohol-related deaths are 100 percent preventable. In addition, wearing a seat belt will save a person’s life and decrease the severity of injury the vast majority of the time. Remember to buckle up – every trip, every time and choose not to drink and drive.
Sergeant Solemsaas recommends these simple tips:
Always have a plan.
? Designate a sober driver or call a cab;
? Take the keys from someone who has been drinking;
? If you’re impaired, and haven't designated a sober driver, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member so you are sure to get home safely;
? If you are hosting a party, be responsible and provide safe rides home for those who have been drinking and provide non-alcoholic beverages to designated drivers
? If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don’t hesitate to contact your local law enforcement.
Contact: Sergeant Jeff Solemsaas
355-1915