Although it hasn’t been officially announced yet by the Minnesota Department of Transportation Office of Traffic Safety, previous years suggest that there will be a major effort to crack down on drunk driving and other dangerous driving behaviors throughout the Labor Day holiday weekend.
Last year, more than 300 departments across the state conducted extra DUI patrols over the Labor Day weekend, which resulted in 1,140 DUI arrests during the campaign that ran from August 18 through Labor Day in 2023. We’re unaware if a similar campaign is already in place, but law enforcement have repeatedly ran concentrated efforts to watch for dangerous driving behaviors from Friday-Monday of Labor Day, and we expect them to do the same this year.
Although drunk driving will be the main focus of the crackdown, police are keen to stop three other dangerous driving behaviors that make up the “Fatal Four” driving actions. Aside from drunk driving, those factors are:
- Speeding
- Distracted Driving
- Unbelted Driving
Plan A Safe Ride This Labor Day
So whether you’re heading up north to a cabin, taking in the first Gopher football game of the season or just celebrating the holiday weekend with some close friends, make sure that you know how you’re safely getting home when the night is over. A significant amount of DUI arrests are made within a mile or two of home, and oftentimes that’s because drivers incorrectly believe they’ll be able to avoid police because they are only traveling a short distance.
Know that police will be out in extra force and that a short drive under the influence can forever change your life. Make smart decisions and know how you are safely getting home before you start drinking that night. Whether that is with a designated driver, a rideshare, the light rail or some other safe method, make sure that you are not behind the wheel if you’ve had too much to drink.
Of course, Avery and the team at Appelman Law Firm will be available to help you or a loved one if they run afoul with the law over Labor Day weekend. The courts are shut down until Tuesday, so there’s a possibility that you may not be able to secure your release until after the holiday unless you connect with a lawyer who can assist. We hope that you navigate this weekend safely, but if a mistake happens and you need legal council in your corner, we’re always on standby. We answer our phones 24 hours a day, seven days a week including on Labor Day to ensure you are only ever one call away from legal help.
A drunk driving arrest can be a lot to process, so let our team of legal experts help you navigate the situation and ensure you avoid a worst case scenario. The loss of your license and jail time is on the line, so let us help you out of this sticky situation. Stay safe this holiday weekend, and remember who to call if you or a friend need legal help. Reach out to Appelman Law Firm at (952) 224-2277 at any hour of the day.
