Increased patrols this weekend

HOT SPRINGS — Increased law enforcement patrols by the Sheriff’s Office, Montana Highway Patrol, and local police in Sanders and Lake counties are scheduled for this weekend.

“No matter what your plans are—watching sports, meeting up with friends, hitting the slopes or throwing a party,” said Sheriff Rummel with the Sanders County Sheriff’s office. “We ask people to be smart about how they enjoy the weekend. If you plan to drink, plan ahead for a sober driver.”

The extra patrols will focus on apprehension of impaired drivers. But they will also be checking to make sure people are using seat belts. “It helps keep area residents and visitors out of harms way by getting impaired drivers off the road. Our officers are happy to put in the extra shifts because we know the extra patrols make a difference,” said Sheriff Rummel.

The Montana Department of Transportation Selective Traffic Enforcement Program funds the extra patrols. More than thirty law enforcement agencies around the state participate in extra enforcement to address traffic safety. For more safety-related information, please access the Montana Department of Transportation’s website www.plan2live.mt.gov.