It is no secret that St. Patrick’s Day is traditionally associated with consumption of alcohol. As a result, Police Public Information Officer Travis Welsh says there will be extra officers out patrolling the streets this weekend.

“Our focus over the next few days will be to try to deter and detect drunk drivers in Missoula,” Welsh said. “We will be putting out extra patrols. Our officers are trained to detect drunk drivers and they will be tasked specifically with carrying out that mission this weekend.”

Welsh says they are asking people to choose alternative ways of getting home.

“There are several options that include Home Free, Yellow Cab, Green Taxi, U-Dash, UBER and LYFT,” Welsh said. “We would like people to plan ahead and make those arrangements so that they can leave their car and keys at home and so they can go out, have a good time, and get home safely.”

According to Welsh, there really aren’t any excuses for people to drink and drive this day and age. If you’re pulled over driving with a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher in Montana, you will be arrested for DUI, have your license revoked, be required to attend classes, pay up to $10,000 in fines, and possibly receive jail time.​

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