Drunk driving campaign results in 1,842 arrests

A statewide Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over driving while intoxicated (DWI) enforcement campaign, from August 17 to September 3, resulted in the arrest of 1,842 impaired drivers, according to Department of Public Safety (DPS) Office of Traffic Safety preliminary reports from 315 reporting agencies.

A similar DWI crackdown to close out summer in 2011 resulted in 1,787 DWI arrests.

Each year, around 30,000 motorists are arrested for DWI in Minnesota. Drunk driving crashes have resulted in 651 deaths during the past five years. In 2011, the average DWI offender was arrested with a 0.16 alcohol concentration level.

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

Repeat DWI offenders, as well as first-time offenders arrested at 0.16 and above alcohol-concentration level, must use ignition interlock in order to regain legal driving privileges, or face at least one year without a driver’s license. Offenders with three or more offenses are required to use interlock for three to six years, or they will never regain driving privileges.

Tips to Prevent Drunk Driving

--Plan for a safe ride. 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, the best defenses against a drunk driver.

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

Tags: local news, news, dwi, dui, arrests