DUI Crackdown Drastically Reduces Deaths

A crackdown against drunken driving on the Crow Indian Reservation in Montana has resulted in a huge reduction in highway deaths related to alcohol -- with only one-tenth of the number of deaths this year compared to a year ago.

A DUI Task Force comprised of Bureau of Indian Affairs and Crow police, tribal officials, the Montana Highway Patrol, Big Horn County Sheriff’s Office and the Indian Health Service was credited with the reduction in fatalities during the period in which DUI arrests doubled.

"They are getting designated drivers," Bureau of Indian Affairs Lt. Edward Eastman said. "They feel something has to be done: Get everybody home safe."

Only one alcohol-related death was reported during the last 12 months. There were 11 deaths on the reservation the year before that were alcohol-related.

More: Alcohol and Trauma | The Dangers of Impaired Driving