As we’ve highlighted on the blog in the past, Thanksgiving and the days that surround the holiday are some of the most dangerous days on Minnesota roads. There’s “Blackout Wednesday,” extra road traffic on Thanksgiving, and then there’s the potential for poor decisions regarding alcohol as many people have long weekends because of the holiday. Because of all these factors and more, the Minnesota State Patrol in connection with over 300 local agencies is expected to conduct extra DUI patrols across the state beginning Wednesday and running through the weekend.
Every year the Thanksgiving stretch is one of the deadliest and most dangerous weekends on the road. We touched on why it’s so dangerous above, but police say it’s also a popular time for people to engage in one or more of the “Fatal Four” driving maneuvers, which are:
- Drunk Driving
- Distracted Driving
- Speeding
- Failing To Wear A Seat Belt
This will be the first year that Minnesota’s Hands-Free Cell Phone Bill will be in effect, but according to the data, it’s not exactly deterring people from using their cell phone. Police will also be on the lookout for people who are breaking the hands-free law or driving in a distracted manner, because with all this extra traffic on the road, and the potential for poor driving conditions with snow in the forecast, it’s easy to see how an accident can occur.
Don’t Drink and Drive
We say it every year, but we’re going to say it again – Don’t Drink and Drive. Police know that this weekend is one of the deadliest on the road, and they know that people will be back visiting with family with some time off, and they know what that can lead to. Before you go out to the bars to catch up with friends, before you head off to Friendsgiving, before you sneak away from the family to have some drinks in the garage and watch football with your uncles, know how you are getting home.
Police aren’t going to let you off with a warning because you didn’t think you were over the limit or because it’s Thanksgiving. They aren’t going to care that you’re only heading a mile or two up the road. If they catch you driving under the influence of alcohol, you will be arrested and forced to spend your Thanksgiving holiday in jail with others who made the same poor decision.
Make some good decisions this Thanksgiving, but know that if something goes wrong, you have an ally in Avery Appelman and the team at Appelman Law Firm. We answer our phones 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and we have extra staff ready to field your calls over Thanksgiving. We can help get you out of jail, even on the holiday. Let us help get you back to a sense of normalcy and begin fighting the charges.
If you or someone you know needs help over the Thanksgiving holiday or at any other time in your life, give Avery and his team a call today at (952) 224-2277. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
