Statewide law enforcement agencies continue added DWI patrols through December, the peak month for alcohol-related crashes during the last three years. The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over heightened enforcement began Fri., Dec. 2; extra enforcement will also run nationwide.
Municipal and county sheriff law enforcement agencies are partnering with the Minnesota State Patrol in the state’s campaign coordinated by the Department of Public Safety (DPS) Office of Traffic Safety. The effort will include 8,500 extra hours of DWI patrols on the roads.
There were 1,097 alcohol-related crashes in Decembers, 2008–2010, resulting in 24 fatalities. Despite the high number of crashes, December is among the lowest months for alcohol-related fatalities.
There were 131 alcohol-related traffic deaths in 2010 in the state, the fewest on record and down 21 percent from five years ago. Each year, 30,000 motorists are arrested for DWI; one in seven
DPS encourages Minnesotans to:
• Plan for a safe ride — Designate a sober driver, use a cab/public transportation, or stay at the location of the celebration. Families should let each other know that they will be available to offer a safe ride home.
• Report impaired driving — Call 911 when witnessing impaired driving behavior. Witnesses must be prepared to provide location, license plate and observed dangerous behavior.
Minnesotans are also encouraged to give the gift of a safe lift with a "Designated Driver Gift Card." Card-givers offer to serve as a designated driver to support safe and sober roads. Gift cards can be downloaded at ots.dps.mn.gov.
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