DWI Court Program Helping to Reduce Repeat Impaired Driving Offenses

Driving while impaired is a choice that too many people are making again and again: 41 percent of drivers arrested for a DWI in 2015 in Minnesota had at least one previous drunk driving conviction.

Eliminating repeat DWI offenses is one part of the effort to keep Minnesotans safe from the dangers of drunk driving. That’s where the DWI court program comes in. It brings together drug and alcohol treatment with the criminal justice system. An evaluation found the program has reduced recidivism up to 69 percent.

"It does save lives. I know it saved mine and I am very grateful,” said Janet Carlson, a three-time DWI offender and graduate of the Hennepin County DWI Court program.

Carlson joined officials as they announced extra DWI enforcement across Minnesota through Sept. 3. Watch the featured video below to hear from Carlson and others.

The deadliest 100 days on Minnesota roads will draw to a close on Labor Day weekend, which typically has more DWI arrests per hour than any other holiday period. Read a recent DPS blog post to learn what you can do to prevent driving while impaired.

Additional information about the DWI court program and the increased enforcement is available in this news release.

​Join us for Governor’s Fire Prevention Day at the Minnesota State Fair

Grab your favorite food on a stick and join us Friday at the State Fair for Governor’s Fire Prevention Day.

Staff from the Department of Public Safety’s State Fire Marshal Division, Office of Pipeline Safety, and Homeland Security and Emergency Management Division will be at the Hot Zone all day from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

You’ll be able to check out demonstrations, get life-saving information and tips, and participate in hands-on games that will test your fire prevention, emergency preparedness, and safe digging knowledge.

Learn more about our Governor’s Fire Prevention Day events by reading our latest DPS blog post.