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MN State Patrol Stepping Up DWI Patrols on St. Patrick's Day

By KBJR News 1

The Minnesota State Patrol is trying out electronic citations, which will aim to limit paperwork and keep troopers safe.

March 12, 2012 Updated Mar 12, 2012 at 12:56 PM CDT

Brainerd, MN (Northland's NewsCenter) --- With St. Patrick's Day less than a week away, the Minnesota State Patrol is already looking ahead to prepare for one of the most dangerous drinking holidays in America. Especially this year since it falls on a Saturday.

The last time that St. Patrick's Day fell on a weekend (2007), there were 527 drivers arrested for DWI and three traffic deaths that were all related to alcohol. Typically in Minnesota over a two day period, 170 drivers are arrested for DWI.

Because of these statistics, troopers, deputies and officers from across Minnesota will be working Towards Zero Deaths (TZD) Driving While Impaired shifts on Saturday, March 17th. These shifts will coincide with St. Patrick's Day celebrations across the state.

The Minnesota State Patrol is asking drivers to support their project and not drink and drive during St. Patrick's Day celebrations and report any impaired drivers they see on the road.

Posted to the web by Krista Burns

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