Law Enforcement Officials Planning Holiday DWI Crackdown

(KNSI) – The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety will begin stepped-up DWI enforcement on Wednesday.

The crackdown on impaired driving will occur on weekends between now and the end of the year. The day before Thanksgiving is generally considered one of the busiest for bars. Families often have relatives in town and try to relax before the stress of preparing a large meal.

Holiday parties and extra time off of work and college also fuel drinking this time of year. The campaign, asking residents to “give the gift of sober driving,” will be announced Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. in St. Paul.

Office of Traffic Safety Director Mike Hanson will be joined by the Minnesota State Patrol chief, deputy St. Paul Fire chief, and first responders for a press conference on Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. to discuss the consequences they see from crashes.

From 2019 to 2023, there were 664 alcohol-related driving deaths. That’s over 25% of the total fatalities seen on state roads during that time period. So far, in 2024, there have been 415 auto deaths from all causes. That is roughly equal to the 12-month total last year, so things are getting more dangerous on state roads. The leading causes of fatalities, besides impairment, include speeding and not wearing your seat belt.

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