At least 300 DWI arrests over New Year's

At least 300 people were arrested for DWI in Minnesota on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day, according to preliminary DWI arrest information from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) Office of Traffic Safety.

There was one fatality on December 31, and it is unknown at this time if alcohol was a factor in the crash. In the previous four years, there were zero drunk driving deaths on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.

The arrest numbers reflect statewide DWIs from the state patrol, county sheriffs’ offices and municipal law enforcement agencies.

The 300 DWI arrest figure is consistent for New Year’s Eve DWI arrests; the state averaged 295 DWIs during the previous five years for the holiday.

A DWI offense can result in loss of license for up to a year, thousands in costs and possible jail time.

Here are some tips to prevent drunk driving:

--Designate a sober driver, use a cab/public transportation, or stay at the location of the celebration. Let family/friends know you are available to offer a safe ride home.

--Buckle up and wear protective motorcycle gear.

--Call 911 when witnessing impaired driving behavior. Be prepared to provide location, license plate number and observed dangerous behavior.

Tags: local news, news, dwi, arrests