Despite our best attempts to warn drivers that police would be out in full force looking for inebriated drivers, many Minnesotans still made the decision to get behind the wheel after drinking over the recent Thanksgiving holiday weekend.
According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Office of Traffic Safety, there were 440 DWI arrests on Minnesota roads over the long Thanksgiving weekend. That’s up nearly 10 percent from the pre-pandemic levels of 2019, when 403 DWI arrests were made over the same stretch.
Extended Enforcement To Continue
In an effort to help curb drunk driving through the end of the year during the holiday season, law enforcement officials announced that they will have extra DWI patrols through December 31st. That means more than 300 law enforcement agencies will be working around the clock to look for inebriated drivers and other dangerous driving maneuvers. Don’t assume that you’ll be able to avoid them because you’re in the middle of nowhere or you’re only heading a mile or two down the road. These extra enforcement campaigns are taking place all across the state, and police won’t hesitate to pull you over if they suspect something is amiss.
Don’t let your holiday season be ruined because of a DUI. Know that police will have an added presence on the roads and make smart decisions, especially if you know that you’ll be drinking alcohol that day. Plan ahead and arraign a ride, call an Uber or spend the night so that you aren’t tempted to get behind the wheel if you’re over the limit. Road conditions will only get worse as snow and ice become more prevalent, which will make driving that much more difficult, even if you’re not under the influence. Be safe on the roads this winter.
And if you or someone you love ends up in a sticky situation and needs legal assistance, reach out to Avery and the team at Appelman Law Firm. If you’re facing DUI charges and need help securing your release from jail, or you want an aggressive attorney who will help fight your case in court, we’re here for you. For more information, or to talk to a lawyer about your case, give our team a call at (952) 224-2277 and set up your free case evaluation today.
