If you’re planning one last trip across Minnesota before school starts, know that police will be out in full force looking for inebriated drivers.
According to an announcement from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Office of Traffic Safety, there will be a statewide DUI enforcement campaign through September 7. The extra enforcement actually kicked off on August 19, so we’re already in the middle of the three-week DWI crackdown.
Nearly 300 law enforcement agencies across Minnesota are taking part in the extra enforcement campaign, which is being funded through a grant from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
Aiming To Curtail Drunk Driving Crashes
The drunk driving numbers are heading in the right direction, and officials are hoping that the announcement of the Labor Day DWI campaign helps more drivers make better decisions when it comes to drinking and driving. As it stands, Minnesota police have made roughly 600 fewer DWI arrests at this point in the year compared to the same time last year, but far too many accidents and arrests are still occurring.
“So far this year, at least 62 people have been killed in alcohol-related crashes, and at least 179 serious injuries have occurred as a direct result of an alcohol impaired driver,” said Mike Hanson, Director of The Office of Traffic Safety.
We always remind readers that there are plenty of ways they can get home for much cheaper than the cost of a DWI, which can cost more than $10,000 when all is said and done. Public transportation options like the bus or the light rail are perfect options, and you can always hire an Uber or a Lyft if you have a smartphone. Walking or enlisting the help of a sober driver are other ways you can avoid a costly mistake.
But as always, if you or someone you know ends up making a mistake and faces a DWI charge as a result of getting caught in this crackdown, pick up the phone and reach out to Avery and the team at Appelman Law Firm. We answer our phones 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and we can help secure your release so you don’t need to spend any more time in jail than need be. From there, we’ll work to build a strong case and ensure you avoid a worst case scenario when it comes to your criminal matter. For more information on how we can assist, or for help with a different type of criminal case, give Avery and his team a call today at (952) 224-2277.
