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ND (NewsDakota.com) – Local North Dakota agencies are once again ramping up efforts as they look to curb the continued problem of individuals driving under the influence of alcohol and other drugs.
The Southeast Jamestown Regional DUI Task Force in conjunction with the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) is announcing that additional law enforcement officers will be present and monitoring city, rural and state roads throughout North Dakota from August 16, 2013 through September 2, 2013. This effort coincides with the national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign.
“Governor Jack Dalrymple recently signed House Bill 1302 into law giving North Dakota stricter DUI penalties,” said Bryan Niewind, Captain of the North Dakota Highway Patrol. “This bill doubles the fines for drinking and driving offenses and in many cases doubles the jail time as well, but it’s those who have had multiple offenses that are hit the hardest, including additional jail time and/or possible felony charges.”
Statistical data has shown that there is still work to be done when it comes to eliminating the problem of people who choose to drink and drive in North Dakota. However with increased enforcement comes the opportunity at increased safety on roadways. Regional efforts done across the state will help to eliminate drunk driving.
One tool aimed at helping to educate the general public has been the continued presence of the TODD campaign. Short for “To Designate a Driver,” the TODD public service campaign consists of a series of television, radio and print ads distributed through North Dakota. Complementing these materials is an interactive website: www.dontforgettodd.com, where information is provided regarding regional DUI enforcement activity. Other information on the TODD website includes lists of increased enforcement periods, safe ride information, text and email alert options and much more.
“These DUI enforcement periods are designed to enhance North Dakota Law Enforcement officers’ ability to deal with problems commonly associated with motorists who drink and drive. It will also serve to encourage voluntary compliance of existing traffic laws by motorists,” said Chad Kaiser, Sheriff of Stutsman County.
“Until there are zero lives lost to alcohol related crashes on our roads, we’ll continue to have increased DUI Enforcement periods,” said Justin Blinsky, Jamestown Police Officer.
The Southeast Jamestown DUI Task Force includes the following agencies: North Dakota Highway Patrol, Foster, Griggs, Stutsman, Barnes, McIntosh, and LaMoure Forks County Sheriff’s Departments, and Carrington, Jamestown, Valley City, and Oakes Police Departments.