Summer is quickly approaching which means the kickoff holiday, Memorial Day, will soon see Minnesota residents celebrating. Many people hold get-togethers on Memorial Day weekend, which often includes drinking alcohol. Drivers should be aware of their limits when it comes to drinking and be prepared for extra speed enforcement and awareness campaigns throughout the state in the hopes of reducing the occurrence of speed and alcohol-related accidents.
Extra Speed Enforcement and Awareness Campaigns
Extra speed enforcement and awarness campaigns enable law enforcement officers to target drivers or certain drivers traveling throughout the state with more man power and patrols, thanks to increased funding by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Minnesota Legislature. When stopped for speeding, one may be asked to submit to field sobriety tests if the officer believes the driver maybe be impaired by alcohol and or controlled substances. The purpose of these tests is to determine if one is driving while intoxicated. A stop could lead to an arrest if the officer has reason to believe a driver is under the influence of alcohol.
Studies have shown that the use of these extra speed enforcement and awareness campaigns can reduce accidents and fatalities associated with DWI and / or speeding. When stopped by law enforcement, one should remain calm and be prepared to present one’s license, registration, and proof of insurance. If asked to perform field sobriety exercises, one may refuse but this could lead to the officer concluding one is intoxicated based on other factors, which could lead to an arrest.
Legal advice when accused of DWI
When faced with DWI charges, one should be aware of the consequences of a conviction. Minnesota residents who are convicted of DWI could face jail time, be forced to pay fines and lose their driving privileges. Fortunately, one does have options when facing such serious charges. By seeking legal advice, one can understand how best to react to the charges.
