KMXT 100.1 FM Public Radio in Kodiak, Alaska
The Kodiak Police Department and the Alaska State Troopers will be out this weekend looking for drunk drivers and trouble makers. With free cabs available New Year’s Eve and the morning of New Year’s Day, KPD’s Lieutenant Ray Ellis says there’s no reason for anyone to drink and drive.
— (DUI 1 :30 "It’s certainly a life altering decision that could result inyour death, your arrest, the death of others, serious property damage costing multiple thousands of dollars. So, save yourself some money, save your own life, save yourself some jail time, save the life of others: Stay out from behind the wheel if you plan to enjoy the holiday weekend with some alcohol.")
Ellis adds that in recent years KPD has seen a dramatic decrease in arrests for driving under the influence. During the last New Year holiday KPD only made two DUI arrests. They made none in the previous four years.
Holidays like New Year’s are well known among bartenders and seasoned drinkers as "amateur night." Ellis says KPD sees their fair share of folks who can’t handle their liquor. He says that not having to deal with inebriated drivers gives law enforcement more time to deal with antics at the bars.
— (DUI 2 :06 "If the streets are safer we can concentrate our police presence in and around the bars.")
The first time consequences of a DUI are hefty. The mandatory sentence is three days in jail plus nearly $2,000 in fees. The offender will also have their driver’s license revoked for 90 days and an ignition interlock device will be required on their car for six months after their license is reinstated.
