Bismarck  (NDHP)  The North Dakota Highway Patrol (NDHP) will be conducting a saturation patrol on Saturday, June 22, in Griggs County with the aim of removing impaired drivers from the road.

Saturation patrols are done in locations with a higher frequency of DUI-related collisions and arrests. During the patrols, officers will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment. In North Dakota, alcohol is a causation factor in nearly 40% of all fatal traffic crashes so far in 2019. In 2018, 33 people were killed in alcohol-involved crashes on North Dakota roads.

High-visibility enforcement is one element of a collaborative effort to help meet the goal of zero motor vehicle fatalities and serious injuries on North Dakota roads.
Regional Commander Bryan Niewind reminds drivers that DUI isn’t just alcohol. “Taking prescription drugs, particularly those with a driving warning on the label, means you may be impaired enough to get a DUI.” Marijuana can also be impairing, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs, and can result in a DUI.

Drivers caught driving impaired and charged with DUI can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to be upwards of $10,000. This includes fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspension, and other expenses and may include jail time.

NDHP offers these tips to ensure you arrive home safely and help all of us meet our Vision Zero goal:
· Always use a designated sober driver, whether a friend who is not drinking or use a ride-share to get home.
· If you see someone who is clearly impaired and planning to drive, take the keys and help them make other arrangements.
· Report drunk drivers by calling 911.
· If your hosting a party, offer nonalcoholic drinks and make sure anyone who is impaired, doesn’t get behind the wheel.