Red Lake Law Enforcement will chill out drunk drivers during increased enforcement in December

The Red Lake Law Enforce will increase DWI patrols as part of a statewide DWI enforcement effort in December to combat the potentially deadly and dangerous holiday.

The campaign is coordinated by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) Officer of Traffic Safety. Around 400 Minnesota Law Enforcement agencies will participate in the effort to identify and arrest impaired drivers, and encourage motorists to make safe decisions.

“The holidays are time for celebrating. They are not a time to throw common sense and safe driving out the window,” says Sgt Alexandra Dow. “Avoid the potentially deadly consequences of driving impaired, as well as the heavy costs and personal grief of a DWI – plan for a safe and sober ride.”

Sgt. Dow reminds motorists within the exterior boundaries of the Red Lake Reservation to plan ahead for a safe ride home before celebrating: Designate a sober driver, take public transportation, call a family member to pick you up or spend the night at the location of the celebration. Dow adds that families should let their loved ones know they are willing and available to offer a safe ride at anything if needed.

“Receiving a phone call at 3 a.m. from a family member is a lot better than receiving a knock on the door from a police officer/trooper/deputy.” says Sgt. Dow.

Sgt. Dow adds that motorists should report impaired driving – call 911 when witnessing impaired driving behavior. Witness must be prepared to provide location, vehicle description, plate is possible and the observing dangerous behavior.

The DWI enforcement and education effort is funded by the National Traffic Safety Administration and is a component of the state’s Toward Zero Deaths (TZD) traffic safety program. A primary vision is to create a safe driving culture in Minnesota in which motorists support a goal of zero road fatalities by practicing and promoting safe and smart driving behavior.

Have a Safe and Happy Holidays from the Red Lake Law Enforcement.