Extra DWI enforcement on Minnesota roads will run through to the end of the year as officers clampdown on DWI and DUI offenders over the holiday season.
Officers, deputies, and troopers from more than 300 agencies across the state will be conducting extra enforcement patrols to ensure extra safety on Minnesota roads.
Holidays tend to be deadly in Minnesota and Christmas, along with Thanksgiving, are among the top holidays with the highest percentage of drunk driving-related fatalities in Minnesota.
According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, from 2006-2015 for the Thanksgiving holiday there were 6,228 DWIs and there were a total of 43 total fatalities with 17 related to drunk driving. For the same time period for Christmas, there were 3,834 DWIs and there were 32 total fatalities with 11 related to drunk driving.
Consequences involved with DWI’s include the loss of a license for up to a year, thousands of dollars in fines, and possible jail time. Repeat offenders, as well as first-time offenders arrested at 0,16 and above alcohol-concentration level, must use ignition-interlock in order to regain legal driving privileges. Those offenders with three or more offenses are required to use the interlock system for three to six years, or will never regain driving privileges.
Advice from Minnesota DPS on how to prevent drunk driving this holiday season:
Plan for a safe ride – designate a sober driver, use a cab/public transportation or stay at the location of the celebration.
Speak Up – Offer to be a designated driver, or be available to pick up a loved one anytime, anywhere.
Buckle up – the best defense against a drunk driver.
Report drunk driving – call 911 when witnessing impaired driving behavior. Be prepared to provide location, license plate number and observed dangerous behavior.
Been caught drunk-Driving?
As an experienced Minnesota DWI defense lawyer Meaney & Patrin can help you in this difficult time. No matter what degree of DWI or DUI you are charged with, a criminal defense attorney can develop a strategy for defense that will ultimately lead to a favorable outcome. So call us today at 612-688-2299.
