Statistics from Minnesota’s recent 17-day drunk driving crackdown revealed that more than 1,500 people were arrested for DUI during that short period.
More than 300 state police agencies participated in the end of summer drunk driving crackdown. In all, police arrested 1,513 Minnesotans for driving while intoxicated between August 21 and September 7. That represents a 13 percent increase in DWIs from the same period in 2014 when 1,340 people were arrested.
Office of Traffic Safety director Donna Berger commended police for their extra effort during the drunk driving crackdown.
“The stories you hear from officers, troopers and deputies about drunk drivers are certainly scary for anyone who shares the road with those who make poor decisions,” said Donna Berger. “We know the efforts by law enforcement during our campaigns certainly make a difference in saving lives.”
Looking Deeper Into Minnesota DUIs
More statistics from the crackdown reveal some interesting findings about who was arrested.
- A mother was arrested for drunk driving with her 10-year-old child in the car.
- A driver in Mower County was arrested after being caught going 126 mph in a 70 mph zone.
- A minor was arrested for drunk driving with a BAC of .243.
- Another driver was arrested with a BAC nearly five times the legal limit.
- Five people were killed in alcohol-related car crashes during the crackdown. Three of the victims were struck by a drunk driver, while the other two victims were allegedly drunk at the time of their crash.
- The highest reported BAC was recorded in St. Paul (.396), followed by Dodge County (.36), Elk River (.35) and Winsted (.349).
Where They Were Booked
It’s no surprise that the Minnesota State Patrol led the way with 253 DWI arrests during the crackdown, but here’s a look at which agencies made the most drunk driving arrests during the same period.
1. St. Paul Police – 47
2. Minneapolis Police – 42
3. Bloomington Police – 26
4. Rochester Police – 25
5. White Bear Lake Police – 23
6. St. Cloud Police – 22
7. Mankato Police – 20
8. Duluth Police – 14
For more information about the crackdown, or to see the arrests in your area, check out the full DUI crackdown report.
