The Minnesota Department of Public Safety recently released updated statistics about the state’s 2024 holiday DWI crackdown, and we wanted to use today’s blog to examine some of the lowlights from the enforcement period. Who had the highest blood alcohol concentration? Which departments made the most DWI arrests? How do the numbers stack up to previous years? We explore those answers and more in today’s blog.
Holiday Enforcement DWI Statistics
The holiday DWI enforcement period began the day before Thanksgiving and ran through New Year’s Day. Overall, police across Minnesota made 2,079 DWI arrests during that period, which is a significant improvement from last year when 2,432 arrests were made during the same period. However, there were still plenty of lowlights from the crackdown, including:
- A driver with 21 previous DWI convictions was arrested on suspicion of driving while intoxicated.
- A driver was arrested and charged with DWI with three children inside the vehicle.
- A 27-year-old with six previous DWI convictions was arrested for suspicion of DWI.
- A driver arrested by the Elk River Police Department posted the highest BAC of anyone during the crackdown, with a BAC of 0.415, or more than five times the legal limit.
- The West Metro division of the Minnesota State Patrol made the most DWI arrests during the crackdown, with 247.
So while there was a sizeable dip in overall DWI arrests during this year’s enforcement period, it’s clear that many drivers are still making poor choices when it comes to drinking and driving, and that puts everyone on the road at risk.
“To those sober drivers I say thank you; it really was a gift. For those who chose to drive impaired, we’re grateful to our law enforcement partners who are relentlessly protecting Minnesotans from those reckless decisions,” said Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety Director Mike Hanson in a statement.
Hopefully the overall trend continues in 2025, but we’re here to help you or a loved one if they end up in trouble with the law. For help fighting a criminal charge or planning your next step after being arrested, reach out to Avery and the team at Appelman Law Firm today at (952) 224-2277.