The Flathead County Sheriff’s Department, Kalispell, Whitefish and Columbia Falls police departments will increase patrols the weekend of Feb. 1 for two big events in the area — the Whitefish Winter Carnival and Super Bowl weekend. Extra patrols will start on Friday and continue through the early hours of Monday, Feb. 4.

“Winter Carnival is a great family event, so we want to make sure families can travel safely to enjoy it,” said Whitefish Police Chief Bill Dial. “Increased traffic plus winter road conditions can create the potential for problems.”

Dial said the public and Carnival-goers can do their part by planning to have a sober driver if they are celebrating with alcoholic beverages.

“A lot of people gather with friends or go to the bars to watch the big game,” said Flathead County Sheriff Chuck Curry. “The Super Bowl is an all-American event that creates a lot of entertainment and celebration — we only ask that fans be smart about how they enjoy their day. If you plan to drink, plan ahead for a sober driver.”

The sheriff also advises those hosting Super Bowl parties to be prudent in what they are serving.

“Provide alternatives to alcoholic beverages and keep plenty of food supplied,” Curry suggested. “Recruit some of your non-drinking guests to provide rides or help your friends get home in a cab.”

The extra patrols will make routine traffic stops, but their focus will be on apprehension of impaired drivers.

“No one wants to see another drunk driving tragedy,” said Dial. “Local officers will do everything they can to get impaired drivers off the road before they hurt someone.”

The extra patrols are funded by the Montana Department of Transportation Selective Traffic Enforcement Program. More than 30 law enforcement agencies around the state participate in enhanced enforcement to address traffic safety.

For more safety-related information please access the Montana Department of Transportation’s website www.plan2live.mt.gov.