More than 300 law enforcement agencies will be conducting extra DUI patrols throughout Minnesota as part of a statewide crackdown on dangerous driving behaviors over the extended Thanksgiving weekend.
It seems like we regurgitate this blog in a different form every year, but the fact of the matter is the four-day Thanksgiving holiday is one of the most dangerous stretches on the road for a number of reasons. It all begins on Wednesday, which has lovingly been coined “Blackout Wednesday” or “Drinksgiving” in some circles. Many college students and young adults are back in their hometowns for the holiday break, and oftentimes they go out and catch up with friends over a pitcher of beer the day before the official holiday. Wednesday night is one of the most dangerous days on the road, and the DUI arrest numbers back it up.
Then the actual holiday rolls around, and millions of people load up their cars and commute to a family Thanksgiving. Between the extra cars on the road and the worsening travel conditions, Thursday is also a deadly day on the roads. During the day, the extra enforcement will shift from DUI enforcement to hunting distracted drivers and speeders, so keep your eyes on the road and watch your speedometer!
Some people also have Friday off, giving them more time to imbibe with holiday spirits Thursday and Friday night, and then people continue to celebrate throughout the weekend. Between the extra time to drink, the uptick of cars on the road and the likelihood of poorer driving conditions, the Thanksgiving holiday is the perfect storm for dangerous driving behaviors.
Avoiding A Thanksgiving DUI
You know that police will be out in full force in Minnesota, so make sure you make good decisions this weekend. Here are some ways to avoid a Thanksgiving DUI over the holiday weekend.
- Designated a sober driver
- Take an Uber or Lyft
- Call a cab
- Take public transportation, like a bus or the light rail
- Pack an overnight bag and stay over at a friend’s house
- Dress warm and walk home with a friend or group
- Plan a fun night without alcohol
At the end of the day, there are hundreds of ways to avoid a DUI on Thanksgiving, so take steps to make a good decision. However, if something goes wrong and you end up seeing blue and red lights in your rearview mirror, don’t hesitate to call Appelman Law Firm at (952) 224-2277.
