A heads up on Minnesota roads. Over the next two weeks there will be extra patrols watching for impaired drivers.
Mike Hanson is traffic safety director with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety. He says they are trained to look for certain signs of driving when a person is impaired.
“Fail to maintain lane control, wide turns, not using turn signals or other safety equipment, things like that,” says Hanson. “They’re all telltale signs officers are trained to look for, that are good indicators somebody is impaired.”
Hanson adds that between May and August over the last five summers, 197 people have died in drunk driving-related crashes.
To stop impaired driving from endangering lives as people enjoy the end of summer, troopers, deputies and officers will be participating in a DWI enforcement campaign that runs August 18 through September 4. The statewide campaign includes extra enforcement and advertising in support of the Toward Zero Deaths traffic safety program.
“Impaired is impaired, regardless of the substance, and the effects are dangerous and tragic for motorists and their loved ones,” said Hanson.
“Labor Day caps off a wonderful summer season. We want people to stay safe, whether they’re driving across town or logging extra miles to a favorite getaway. Always plan ahead for a safe and sober ride.”
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) coordinates the campaign with funding provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
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