Summer is starting to wind down, and as people try to squeeze in the last bits of fun for the season they need to be aware that if their plans involve alcohol, police will be ready in case they get behind the wheel. That’s because more than 300 agencies throughout the state are adding extra DUI enforcement now through Labor Day in an effort to crack down on the dangerous driving practice.
This is one of the most dangerous stretches on the roads, as there are an increased number of cars and the weather conditions allow for faster speeds. Moreover, with the Labor Day long weekend on the horizon, it also provides an opportunity for people to ring in the holiday with alcohol, which can lead to poor driving decisions. Labor Day is one of the most dangerous holidays for drunk driving, as it ranks third on the list an average of 3.8 DWI arrests per hour.
Aside from DUIs, police will also be on the lookout for:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Seat belt violations
What Happens During A DUI Arrest
In an effort to help people make good decisions behind the wheel, the Minnesota Department of Traffic Safety Office of Traffic Safety provided a detailed explanation of what to expect if you are pulled over and arrested for drunk driving.
So what’s it like to get arrested for DWI? You already know about being pulled over by a law enforcement officer, and you know about – or have maybe even seen – the field sobriety test. Next it’s off to the jail, where you get patted down and blow into a Breathalyzer. You have to answer a lot of personal questions (as many as 500), get fingerprinted, and have your photo taken and entered into a statewide law enforcement database. Then it’s time to strip down and take a shower and don the jail-issued clothing – including underwear. After that, you’ll meet your new roommates: other inmates who will share your jail cell with you. You won’t know for how long; if it’s a weekend it could be more than 48 hours. Oh, and you’ll lose your license and have to appear in court.
Needless to say, that’s a process that nobody wants to go through. And while we can help you in the event of a DUI arrest, we’d all agree that it would be better if you never got booked for DUI in the first place.
So now that you know that police all across Minnesota will be conducting extra DUI enforcement patrols for the next two weeks, please make sure you make some smart decisions behind the wheel. Also, be sure to buckle up, because it’s the best way to protect yourself from a drunk driver.
If you or someone you know needs legal help following a DUI arrest or another run in with the law, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the experienced legal team at Appelman Law Firm at (952) 224-2277.
