KATV Channel 7 - The Spirit of Arkansas: Rangers step up law enforcement efforts to deter drunk driving in park

(KATV, Source: National Park Service) Multiple Garland County residents pled guilty to driving under the influence (DUI) within Hot Springs National Park this month, according to the park's chief ranger.

Karen D. Calin, Miranda B. Plyler-Oseguera and Michael S. White of Hot Springs; Lester R. Rowland of Jessieville; and James E. McFaarlane of Lonsdale; were ordered to appear before a United States Magistrate Judge on DUI charges on February 13, said Chief Ranger John Hughes.

The five pled guilty to DUI in U.S. District Court, Western District of Arkansas, Division of Hot Springs, and were either immediately sentenced or are currently awaiting sentencing for the charges.

DUI in the National Park is a violation of Title 36 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations and carries a maximum of 6 months imprisonment and/or $5,000 fine per offense.

"As the busy spring and summer months quickly approach, Hot Springs National Park protection rangers will be stepping up our efforts to remove impaired drivers from park roadways to ensure our visitors have a safe visit to the area," said Hughes.

Recent analysis of 2011 crime statistics indicate that 30% of all DUI offences in the Midwest Region of the National Park System (which stretches from North Dakota to Arkansas to Ohio) were committed at Hot Springs National Park. 

"In an effort to reduce the number of DUIs within the park, we are increasing patrols and focusing on key areas to detect alcohol related violations and we plan to operate a series of DUI checkpoints over the next several months," Hughes said.  "Implementing these safety check points and increasing the number of patrol rangers in the park are other ways we hope to reduce the number of intoxicated drivers on park roadways."