Extra DWI Enforcement Begins Ahead of Labor Day Weekend

Drunk driving is preventable, and law enforcement statewide will be focusing on keeping Minnesotans safe as they celebrate the final weeks of summer.

More than 300 agencies will be taking drunk drivers off the road as part of the extra DWI enforcement campaign from Aug. 19 to Sept. 5, according to a news release.

Summer Winds Down, DWIs Go Up
More Minnesotans need to plan ahead as summer winds down. In the last five years, August was the worst month for DWI offenders, averaging 2,509 arrests, followed by March (2,399) and July (2,354). On average, drunk driving will be a contributing factor in one fatality, and alcohol will be involved in two life-changing injuries during the Labor Day holiday period.

Serious Injuries Are Life-changing Injuries
While people can survive serious injuries, they can face a lifetime of difficulties.

For Erica Bodell of Cambridge, she and her three children survived when a drunk driver hit her vehicle in November 2015 but all four were injured. Her 3-year-old daughter is paralyzed, and other injuries to the family included broken legs, a fractured skull and nerve damage.

"I am very fortunate to be alive and that my three children are alive," said Bodell.

"I could have easily died last November, and I could have lost my family. I’m thankful we’re alive, but I’m also sad, angry and frustrated that a drunk driver changed our lives forever. Please don’t make a bad decision to get behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking."

Encouraging Downward Trend in DWI Arrests
Minnesotans can stop themselves and others from getting behind the wheel impaired. An increasing number of motorists are making smart choices behind the wheel with DWI arrests declining by 40 percent in the last 10 years.

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