Extra DWI enforcement for 4th of July weekend

Following one of the deadliest Memorial Day holiday weekends ever, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) is reinforcing the need for motorists to drive belted, safe and sober during the Independence Day weekend. Last year alcohol-related crashes accounted for five of the eight motorists killed surrounding the holiday. Another 1,819 motorists were arrested for DWI.

To combat impaired driving, Operation NightCAP (nighttime concentrated alcohol patrol) enhanced DWI enforcement efforts will be conducted during the 4th of July weekend. DWI patrols will ramp up in Anoka, Blue Earth, Crow Wing, Dakota, Hennepin, Itasca, Ramsey, Rice, St. Louis, Sherburne, Stearns, Washington and Wright counties.

In June, NightCAP enforcement campaigns resulted in 2,862 vehicle stops, 183 DWI arrests and 138 seat belt citations. At mid-year, the state has recorded 183 deaths, compared to 188 at this time last year.

“Unfortunately, every holiday weekend has the potential to be a tragic one on Minnesota roads,” says State Patrol Lt. Matt Langer. “Understanding the importance of driving safe, smart and sober is the simple answer to stopping these preventable deaths and injuries.”

DPS reminds motorists to follow these safe driving tips:

• Buckle up — Seat belts are the best defense in case of a crash and on roads plagued with speeding, distracted and impaired drivers. The state’s primary seat belt law is in effect, meaning every driver and all passengers — even in the back — must be belted. Law enforcement can stop a vehicle if anyone in a vehicle is not belted.

• Pay attention — Stay focused on driving, especially as more vehicles will be on the road.