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The Gallatin County Sheriff's Office is increasing traffic patrols over Super Bowl weekend.

"Drinking tends to be a big part of Super Bowl time," Sheriff Brian Gootkin said in a news release. "We're not out to stop the fun, but we will be out to stop impaired drivers."

The extra patrols concentrate on keeping impaired drivers off the road, deterring speeding and encouraging the use of seat belts and child restraints.

Gootkin offers these tips:

If hosting a Super Bowl party:
• Before kickoff, make it clear that only sober guests will be allowed to drive. Arrange for ride sharing or sober rides home, and be prepared to take the keys away from those who shouldn't drive.
• Recognize designated sober drivers in unique ways, like the best seats to watch the game.
• Serve plenty of food.
• Offer a variety of non-alcoholic choices like soft drinks, juice, mocktails, and water.
• Do not serve alcohol to anyone younger than 21 years of age.
• Determine ahead of time when you'll stop serving alcohol and offer coffee and dessert. NFL stadiums stop serving alcohol at the end of the third quarter.
• Be prepared for guests to stay the night if necessary.
• Serve the drinks yourself, and stay sober so that you know who may be reaching the limit.
• Avoid "pushing" drinks on your guests or mixing strong drinks.
• Do not serve alcohol to anyone who is intoxicated.
If attending a Super Bowl party or watching the game away from home:
• Plan your sober ride home. That could mean a designated sober driver who is out with you, or one on standby to call after the game.
• Pace yourself. Be sure to eat plenty and have plenty of non-alcoholic drinks.

"We'd rather everyone chooses to have a sober driver than to risk a DUI or worse," said Sheriff Gootkin. "But if you choose to drive impaired, we will arrest you."

The additional patrols are funded by the Montana Department of Transportation Selective Traffic Enforcement Programs (STEP) grants.