Posted by Melissa Burlaga
Northeastern MN — Increased DWI enforcement patrols will continue across Northeastern Minnesota through Labor Day.
“Labor Day weekend is one of the most dangerous weekends on our roads!” states Cheryl Bisping, coordinator for the Mesaba Safe Community Coalition.
This is the home stretch for the summer driving season.
Many people will be making their final trip of the year to the cabins and lakes as well as Colleges students returning for the semester. Minnesota State Patrol Lt. Paul Blaha states “The purpose of enforcement efforts is prevent the tragedies and illegal behavior from occurring in the first place”
St. Louis, Itasca, and Koochiching Counties had 2,132 drivers arrested for DWI’s in 2009 according to data from the Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety.
The Department of Public Safety reports enhanced DWI enforcement campaigns have factored in the state’s positive trend of fewer alcohol-related deaths in recent years.
In Minnesota, one in seven drivers have a DWI on record, and each year more than 30,000 motorists are arrested for DWI — nearly 33,000 were apprehended in 2009.
Consequences for a DWI include loss of license for up to a year, up to $20,000 in legal costs and heightened insurance rates, and possible jail time.
While young adult males continue to be the primary DWI violators, DPS says impaired female drivers are an emerging population, accounting for one-quarter of all DWI arrests, compared to 19 percent a decade ago.
Males continue to account for 84 percent of the impaired driving deaths annually.
Law enforcement agencies will combine the enhanced DWI patrols with seat belt enforcement; Lt Blaha said “75 percent of drinking drivers killed in crashes are also not belted.”
Minnesota’s primary seat belt law requires drivers and passengers in all seating positions — including the back seat — to be buckled up or in the correct child restraint.
Blaha encourages motorists to have a plan for a safe and sober ride in advance of drinking.
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