Barnes County starts a "Neighborhood Road Watch" program

Barnes County (WDAY TV) -- Catching drunk drivers in rural areas can be difficult, with law enforcement stretched thin.

That's why Barnes County is hoping to start a "Neighbor Road Watch" program with other southeastern North Dakota counties. The City-County health department plans to educate volunteers on alcohol detection and have them report to law enforcement during saturation patrols.

People would cross into other counties to do the policing, so they are not turning in their own neighbors.

Kasey Skalicky, traffic safety coordinator, says, "the intention of the program is to make potential impaired driving violators feel that they're more likely to be detected and caught, and they will just choose not to drink and drive."

Organizers hope to recruit volunteers by May.

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