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Extra patrols on Minnesota roads during 2024 holiday DWI enforcement

By FOX 9 Staff
Published  November 26, 2024 9:49am CST
Crime and Public Safety
FOX 9

Minnesota 2024 holiday DWI enforcement plan [RAW]

Minnesota agencies are adding extra DWI enforcement on Minnesota roads this holiday season with the hopes of preventing traffic deaths and convincing people to drive sober or find another safe way home.

The Brief

    • Officials are adding extra DWI enforcement on Minnesota roads this holiday season with the hopes of preventing traffic deaths and convincing people to drive sober, or find another safe way home.
    • Extra patrols will be on the roads starting the day before Thanksgiving and lasting through New Year’s Eve.
    • So far this year, at least 415 people have died on Minnesota roadways, and more than 24,000 have been arrested for driving while impaired.

ST. PAUL, Minn. (FOX 9) - Minnesota drivers will start seeing extra DWI enforcement on the roads as part of a statewide effort to crack down on impaired drivers this holiday season. 

What we know 

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), Minnesota State Patrol, St. Paul Fire Department and other first responders announced at a press conference on Tuesday that more than 300 law enforcement agencies will be providing extra DWI enforcement this holiday season. 

The extra DWI enforcement will start on Wednesday, Nov. 27, and runs on the weekends through New Year’s Eve. 

"First responders are hoping that the extra enforcement, combined with raising public awareness, will prevent traffic deaths and convince people to drive sober," the press release reads. 

RELATED: DWI map of Minnesota: Search and see where drunk drivers are

OTS said drivers are urged to make smart and responsible decisions by choosing not to drive while under the influence and help prevent tragedies during the holidays. Impaired driving not only includes alcohol, but also substances like cannabis or prescription medication, that can affect safe driving abilities. 

If you're out on the road and spot a suspected impaired driver, officials say to call 911 and report the location, license plate number, and the behavior that you saw. 

"Preventing a crash by planning a sober ride this holiday season is a gift to treasure. It’s also a gift to emergency responders who must risk their lives when responding to a crash scene to help those in need," the press release reads.

Background

The OTS says at least 415 people have died on Minnesota roadways so far this year, and more than 24,000 people have been arrested for driving while impaired. Between 2019 and 2023, there were 664 alcohol-related driving deaths, and during that same period, more than 127,400 people were arrested across the state for DWI. 

The OTS has launched holiday DWI campaigns in previous years with participation from hundreds of agencies across the state. 

The Source

  • A press release from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.