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From: Jacalyn Sticha
Minnesota State Patrol
Heavy End-of-the-Year Enforcement Supported by New TV Spot, Gift Cards
Minnesota law enforcement officers this weekend are uncorking December-long increased statewide DWI patrols. The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over effort will also take place nationwide.
December is a potentially deadly month due to holiday celebrations, according to officials from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety. In the last three Decembers (2009-2011), 28 people were killed in drunk driving crashes and 7,497 were arrested for DWI.
County sheriff’s offices, municipal agencies and the Minnesota State Patrol will work overtime hours in December to focus on drunk driving.
“Our goal is to ensure families are together for the holidays and no lives are taken due to a drunk driving tragedy,” says Lt. Eric Roeske of the Minnesota State Patrol. “If there is one gift to give, offer to be a designated driver for a loved one.”
Ho-Ho-Tini TV Spot
A statewide advertising campaign will accompany the enforcement to remind Minnesotans about the added patrols. The campaign includes a new TV spot featuring a “Ho-Ho-Tini” cocktail: www.youtube.com/watch?v=4f-soy4Ypzo&feature=youtu.be. Designated Driver Gift Cards — The Perfect Holiday Gift
Officials say the best present to give is the gift of a safe lift with a Designated Driver Gift Card at MinnesotaSafeandSober.org.
DWI Consequences
A DWI offense can result in loss of license for up to a year, thousands 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.
Tips to 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. Let family/friends know you are available to offer a safe ride home.
· Buckle up and wear protective motorcycle gear — the best defenses 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.
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