Thanksgiving Weekend: Celebrate Responsibly, Drive Safely, and Shop Local
At Ryan, Miller & Coburn, we care deeply about both, keeping Missoula safe and supporting the small businesses that make it special.
Drive with Gratitude, Not Regret
While Thanksgiving is a holiday rooted in gratitude, it unfortunately also marks one of the highest-risk weekends for impaired driving nationwide. Between “Blackout Wednesday” (the night before Thanksgiving) and the return home on Sunday, law enforcement agencies report a spike in DUI arrests each year.
Here in Montana, the combination of long distances, ruralroads, and winter weather can make impaired driving especially dangerous. Evenone drink can slow your reaction time, impact your judgment, and increase therisk of an accident.
This Thanksgiving, plan ahead to stay safe:
- Designate a sober driver before you head out.
- Use a rideshare or taxi if you’ve been drinking.
- Offer your guests a place to stay overnight.
- Remember: buzzed driving is drunk driving.
If you do find yourself pulled over, remember to stay calm and know your rights. You are required to provide your license, registration, and proof of insurance. You don’t have to answer further questions without an attorney present. Be polite and respectful, and ask to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible. You will get the chance to either give consent or decline the breath/standardized testing. If you are unclear about this, check out our complied consent blog to dive deeper on consent.
Montana’s DUI laws are strict, and even a first offense can lead to serious consequences including fines, license suspension, increased insurance rates, and in some cases, jail time. That’s why it’s always better to plan ahead, and if something does happen, know that you’re not alone.
At Ryan, Miller & Coburn, our experienced team has guided countless Montanans through DUI cases with compassion and clarity. Whether you’re facing a first-time charge or a repeat offense, we’re here to protect your rights and help you move forward.
Shop Local, Missoula – It Matters
After the big meal and football games, many of us turn our attention to holiday shopping. While the nationwide Black Friday frenzy often dominates headlines, there’s something truly meaningful about supporting local Missoula businesses during this season.
When you shop local, you’re doing more than just buying a gift, you’re strengthening the community we all call home. Each dollar spent at a local business helps create jobs, supports local families, and keeps our economy thriving.
Take a stroll through Downtown Missoula, pop into Noteworthy Paper & Press for a thoughtful card, browse outdoor gear at The Trail Head, or pick up something fun and unique at Rockin Rudy’s. Every purchase makes a difference.
Small Business Saturday and Local Black Friday are perfect opportunities to skip the big-box chaos and celebrate what makes Missoula so special, its people, its passion, and its locally owned shops.
At Ryan, Miller & Coburn, we’re proud to be part of this community. We live here, work here, and believe in keeping our dollars right here, too
From Our Family to Yours
This Thanksgiving, we’re thankful for our clients, colleagues, and community, and for the trust Missoulians place in us every day. Whether you’re traveling across the state, cooking at home, or shopping downtown, we hope you’ll celebrate responsibly, drive safely, and support your neighbors.
If you ever need legal guidance, whether for a DUI, car accident, or other issue, Ryan, Miller & Coburn PLLC is here to help. Stop by our office for resources, grab a glovebox safety slip, or just say hello.
From all of us at RMC, have a safe, happy, and gratitude-filled Thanksgiving weekend.
