BENSON -- Officers with the Benson Police Department will "gift wrap" safe roads for the city's motorists by participating in the statewide Safe and Sober impaired driving campaign during the month of December.
According to Police Chief Jim Crace, the state in 2006 had a record low number of alcohol-related traffic deaths of 166, but had a record-high 41,832 arrests for driving while impaired. In Swift County, there were no impaired driving deaths and 147 driving while impaired arrests between 2004 and 2006.
Young adults, those in their early 20s or under the legal drinking age, accounted for 28 percent of DWI arrests in the county.
Impaired driving is public enemy number one when it comes to traffic safety, Crace said, adding that the police's role is to stop impaired driving and it's the public's role to make smart decisions before getting behind the wheel.
Those smart decisions include having a plan before drinking, designating a sober driver, calling a friend or a cab or staying the night at the location of the celebration.
