Minnesota law enforcement will be providing extra traffic enforcement this evening to try to curb a historically dangerous night for impaired driving.
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety is stressing safe travel for the busy holiday weekend. In the past three years, 19 people were killed in Minnesota during the Wednesday to Sunday Thanksgiving travel period
Of the 19 deaths, 10 were alcohol-related, and more than half of the motorists killed were unbelted. During this same three-year time period, 2,232 motorists were arrested for DWI.
"Every year Thanksgiving turns tragic, resulting in empty chairs around the dinner table," said Captain Matt Langer of the State Patrol in a news release. "Enforcing seat belt use and being alert for impaired drivers are two key ingredients to ensure safety."
The extra enforcement will be spread across the state and will include seat belt enforcement. Each year, 75 percent of the impaired drivers killed are also not buckled up.
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Minnesota's primary seat belt law requires drivers and all passengers, including in the back seat, to be buckled up or in the correct child restraint. Law enforcement will stop drivers and passengers for seat belt violations. A seat belt citation costs more than $100.
The Department of Public Safety urges motorists to buckle up, plan for enough travel time to avoid the urge to speed, pay attention, be patient and plan for a safe, sober ride in advance of partying.
