DWI patrols will be out in full force on Minnesota roadways this upcoming Labor Day weekend as part of a nationwide campaign called “Drive Sober of Get Pulled Over” sponsored by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). More than 300 agencies throughout the state will participate in the increased enforcement to help reduce car accident fatalities during one of the most dangerous times of the year to be on the road.
Hundreds of people are injured and killed every year during Labor Day weekend. In Minnesota alone, 24 people were killed in car accidents from 2010 to 2014.
DWI Officer Adam Halverson of Lino Lakes, Minnesota will be part of the increased presence of enforcement officers. In just under two months, Officer Halverson has made over 535 traffic stops in his city of 21,000 people, and has issued 261 citations, arrested 22 drivers on suspicion of DWI, and made two drug busts. According to this dedicated DWI officer, the visibility alone of law enforcement out on the road is enough to make streets safer. Drivers who see the flashing lights of a patrol car are encouraged to put away their smartphone or slow down.
Halverson is one of many dedicated DWI officers supported by federal dollars throughout the state whose job it is to keep people safe. With one out of every five people involved in car accidents being impaired by drugs or alcohol, dedicated DWI enforcement officers make a big difference. Halverson says that the majority of stops involving highly intoxicated drivers is between 5 p.m. and 10 p.m.
If you are planning on drinking with family and friends this upcoming weekend, remember that it is not worth the risk to yourself and others to get behind the wheel. Even buzzed driving is drunk driving, and if you are pulled over and arrested on suspicion of DWI, you could face serious and far-reaching consequences, including license suspensions, fines, and possible jail time. If possible, arrange a ride with a taxi or designated driver, or spend the night with a friend or family member. We are sure this beats running into Officer Halverson on the road!
Are you facing DWI charges in Minnesota? Don’t wait to contact a Minneapolis DWI attorney from Caplan & Tamburino, P.A. We have decades of experience advocating for our clients and may be able to help you avoid a conviction. For a free consultation, call our offices at (612) 444-5020. For your convenience, we are available 24/7 to take your call.