Despite our warning about the increased DUI patrols over the 4th of July weekend, more than 300 Minnesotans were booked for drunk driving over the holiday weekend.
Although the holiday is nearly three weeks old, we’re just now learning about the DUI statistics from the 4th of July weekend. The Minnesota State Patrol said 328 people were arrested for drunk driving over the weekend, and one person died in an alcohol-related crash.
Drop in DUIs
That number seems high – and it is – but it’s also a big improvement over recent years. On average, over the past five 4th of July holidays, the state has averaged 430 arrests and five traffic fatalities. Police say citizens are making smarter decisions when it comes to drinking and driving, and the announced patrols likely mean that fewer people are choosing to drink and drive. And it’s not just on holiday weekends. In 2006, 42,016 individuals were arrested for drunk driving. That number fell 40 percent over the last eight years, as only 25,258 Minnesotans were arrested for DUI in 2014. Alcohol related deaths on the road are also down 21 percent since 2010.
Holiday statistics show that the 4th of July is the third deadliest holiday for drinking and driving. Only Thanksgiving and Christmas rank high in percent of traffic fatalities that involve a drunk driver. Labor Day, the next big holiday on the calendar, is also a very dangerous time to drive. Last year there were 411 traffic crashes over the Labor Day weekend on Minnesota roads, trailing only the 4th of July and Thanksgiving for most crashes. Odds are Minnesota police will conduct extra DUI enforcement over Labor Day, so continue to make smart decisions, and if you do get in trouble, give us a call right away.
