The first weekend of increased DWI enforcement is in the books and at least 232 people were arrested.
It’s that time of year once again: increased enforcement on the roads.
“A nationwide effort to reduce fatalities and injuries caused by alcohol–related incidents out on our highways,” said Trooper Jeremy Geiger.
From August 19 to September 5, law enforcement agencies across the state are out on patrol looking for people who are over the limit.
“Unfortunately people are still making wrong decisions and going out there and drinking and our officers are out there making those arrests and taking the appropriate actions,” said Geiger.
From 2006 to 2010, nearly 800 people died in alcohol–related crashes in Minnesota.
Which is why law enforcement does these additional patrols.
“It’s actually a collaboration between many different agencies throughout the state. Not just the State Patrol, not just Blue Earth County, but we’re talking Nicollet County, all the local police departments out there within those counties are out there making a strong effort on the highways and the city streets,” said Geiger.
With the college students back, that’s also an extra motivator for the beefed up patrols.
“That’s kind of why we plan it, too. Not just the Labor Day and celebrations for summer, it’s also back to school time, too, so more young drivers out there that we maybe need to talk to and educate more along with the DWI and impaired driving,” said Geiger.
So the Patrol reminds you to plan ahead with a sober driver or expect to be arrested.
Statewide more than 30,000 motorists are arrested for DWI each year. One in seven Minnesota drivers has a DWI on record.
Source: www.myfoxtwincities.com