Ask the Chief

 If you choose to drive impaired, you will lose your freedom and the right to drive. During the last five years, 2,016 people have been arrested for DWI in Minnesota during the July 4 holiday period.

•2012 (Wednesday) — 182

•2013 (Thursday) — 551

•2014 (Friday) — 464

•2015 (Saturday) — 407

•2016 (Monday) — 412

Extra DWI enforcement

•To keep Minnesota motorists safe, law enforcement in Minnesota’s top 14 most dangerous drunk driving counties will have extra DWI patrols this holiday weekend.

•Law enforcement across the state will continue to be vigilant to get drunk drivers off the road.

•July 4 is the second leading holiday for DWI arrests per hour, with 4.6 per hour.

A Deadly Holiday

•In the last five years (2012 – 2016), 21 people were killed in traffic crashes in Minnesota.

•In 2016, six people lost their lives on Minnesota roads.

•Three motorcyclists

•One pedestrian

•One bicyclist

•One farm equipment operator •In the last five years (2012 – 2016), four people died in drunk driving-related crashes but none over the past two years.

Sober Ride Options No matter how much you intend to drink, plan for a safe ride — designate a sober driver, take a cab/public transportation or stay at the location of the party.

If walking home from an establishment, use the buddy system and make sure each person in your party gets home safely and makes it inside their home without incident.

•Motorcycle Dial-A-Ride offers free rides for both riders and their motorcycle to prevent drunk riding. Riders can call 1-888-342-5743 for help.

DWI Consequences Loss of license for up to a year, thousands of dollars 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. 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.

Speak Up — Offer to be a designated driver or be available to pick up a loved one anytime, anywhere. Buckle up — the best defense 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.