The Blaine County Journal News-Opinion - We've Got The County Covered

Efforts for a fatality free New Year’s Eve paid off this past holiday weekend on highways at Fort Belknap and the rest of Blaine County. A number of activities were launched by local law enforcement agencies and volunteer groups seeking to reduce the number of impaired drivers on local streets and roadways during the holiday. Combined efforts of local police, the Blaine County Sheriff’s office, Fort Belknap Tribal Police and the county’s recently reinstated DUI Task Force helped result in a safe holiday.

Designated driver mugs and rides offered

The Blaine County DUI Task Force began plans well before the holiday to give drivers options for safe transportation. The Transportation Department at Fort Belknap offered a bus that made runs between the casino at the Agency and the VFW in Harlem. Deputy Chris Adair, with the sheriff’s department, said 15 riders took advantage of that option.

For Chinook, the county commissioners provided rides through the county dispatch system. The commissioners made an extra vehicle available for people needing rides home. According to Adair, two riders used that transportation alternative on New Year’s Eve. Chinook Police Chief Elmer Zarn said it was the city department’s policy to routinely give rides to anyone who asks for a ride home from a bar, not just on holidays.

The DUI Task Force also made special designated driver mugs available for people who would be driving fellow partyers home. The DUI Task Force made the mugs available to establishments county-wide. Establishments agreed to provide free soft drinks and coffee to people who were designated drivers.

Enhanced enforcement, as well

At Fort Belknap Police Chief Hawken Haakanson, Sr., reported his officers set up check points to monitor drivers during the evening. He reported, “During the stops we saw several vehicles with a designated driver, a good thing.” The Fort Belknap Police made five DUI charges during the spot checks. Chinook police made one DUI arrest during New Year’s Day. Chief Elmer Zarn said, “The DUI was an out of towner who happened to be going through Chinook.”

Frank Billmayer, Blaine County Undersheriff, said sheriff’s deputies made 37 stops during New Year’s Eve, with no DUI’s. He also mentioned there were a number of vehicles with designated drivers at the wheel. Billmayer went on to say, “People have come to expect more officers out on the highways making stops during major and long holidays. That expectation likely reduces the number of impaired drivers who don’t want to risk a DUI.” He added that local law enforcement agencies know the trouble spots for impaired drivers and make additional efforts to monitor those areas, especially on holidays.

Most law enforcement people seem to think there is some progress being made in reducing the number of DUI’s on the roads. And the continued efforts by law enforcement and new activities by other groups concerned with the problem seem to be helping. Thanks to all those who helped start the new year with a safe record on the highways. And a special thanks to those folks who took the role of designated drivers.