SPD: it takes a village to reduce DWUI numbers

According to the Sheridan Police Department 2021 Annual Report, the average number of Driving While Under the Influence arrests between 2018 and 2020 was 215 a year. In 2021 that number was 209.

Through spreading awareness, safe-ride efforts and partnership campaigns, SPD Captain Tom Ringley reports through the end of September of the current year, the SPD has made 137 DUI arrests.  Ringley reports this is down from the average of 152, the average amount year-to-date for 2017-21.

According to Chief of the Sheridan Police Department Travis Koltiska, driving while under the influence is the greatest threat to members of the Sheridan community.

Although the efforts by the SPD to curb the problem of DWUIs has recently shown a tick in the right direction, Koltiska believes that the best preventative measure against drunk driving is to find a safe way home before consuming alcohol, the second best measure is the community itself. 

Studies have shown that the top four most dangerous states in regard to DWUIs on the roadways share more than just geographic location, they share rural hard-working, hard-playing culture, but also a dangerous social tolerance for DWUI offenses.   

By adopting a zero tolerance for driving under the influence, co-workers, friends and family step in and prevent a loved one from getting behind the wheel. 

According to Ringley, in the calendar year 2021, SPD accounted for 7% of all DWUI arrests in the state of Wyoming. According to the Chief, this percentage is extreme in proportion for the size of the department and population of the City of Sheridan.  

To help prevent DWUIs, Ringley said residents and visitors who have consumed too much alcohol can take advantage of the Safe Rides Home Program. This program allows the individual to contact their bartender or server and receive a voucher to split the cost of a taxi ride home. Patrons can also plan ahead and designate a sober driver to transport them home safely.