​ST. PAUL — The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) will recognize more than 60 officers, troopers, deputies and prosecutors for their efforts to get impaired drivers off the road. They represent the DWI Enforcer All-Star team and will be honored during Minnesota Twins pre-game activities at Target Field on Sunday, Aug. 20. Hiway Credit Union is helping sponsor the event.

“The DWI All-Stars do more than just arrest impaired drivers. They save lives, stop crashes and keep families from feeling the lifelong heartache of losing a loved one," said OTS Director Mike Hanson.

Protecting lives from impaired drivers on the road

In 2022, the All-Stars made 4,447 combined DWI a​rrests across Minnesota. Their efforts contributed to nearly 26,000 DWI arrests made by all of law enforcement last year.

Alcohol, prescription medication, recently legalized cannabis or any other drug can contribute to impairment and a DWI. The All-Stars' commitment to the safety of drivers, passengers, motorcyclists, bicyclists and pedestrians is protecting innocent lives.

Keeping Minnesotans safe

Trooper Gustavo Culbeaux led all DWI All-Stars last year with 173 arrests. Trooper Culbeaux has dedicated his career with the Minnesota State Patrol to getting impaired drivers off the road. He has been recognized as a DWI All-Star enforcer for the past four years. This is the second time he has been the top DWI All-Star.  

“The time I spent in the Marine Corps taught me about dedication to a greater cause, and I still practice that concept today," said Trooper Gustavo ​Culbeaux “Every impaired driver taken off the road is a potential life that is saved, and that makes it all worth it. It's an honor to wear the uniform, to serve with the Minnesota State Patrol and to be recognized as a DWI All-Star."

View a list of the 2023 DWI All-Stars.​

More than one way to be under the influence

• In the last five years (2018-2022), there were 412 drunk driving-related traffic deaths in Minnesota.
• Over the past five years (2018-2022), more than 127,238 people have been arrested for DWI.
• Driving high is a DWI. Drugged driving accounted for 8,069 DWI incidents from 2013-2017 compared with 15,810 from 2018-2022. 

DWI consequences

• Loss of license for up to a year, thousands of dollars in costs and possible jail time.
• Repeat DWI offenders, as well as first-time offenders arrested at 0.16 and above blood alcohol concentration, 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.

Make a plan

• Designate a sober driver, use a safe, alternative transportation option, or stay at the location of the celebration.
• Speak up. Offer to be a designated driver or be available to pick up a loved one anytime, anywhere.
• If you plan to drive, refrain from drugs, whether legally or illegally obtained. Impaired is impaired.
• If you don't yet know how a medication will affect your judgment, coordination and reaction time, either have someone else drive or wait to take it until after you get home.

About the Minnesota Department Public Safety

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety (DPS) comprises 10 divisions where 2,100 employees operate programs in the areas of law enforcement, crime victim assistance, traffic safety, alcohol and gambling, emergency communications, fire safety, pipeline safety, driver licensing, vehicle registration and emergency management. DPS activity is anchored by three core principles: education, enforcement and prevention.

About the Office of Traffic Safety

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) designs, implements and coordinates state and federally funded traffic safety enforcement and education programs to improve driver behaviors and reduce the deaths and serious injuries that occur on Minnesota roads. These efforts form a strong foundation for the statewide Toward Zero Deaths traffic safety program. OTS also administers state funds for the motorcycle safety program, child seats for needy families program and school bus stop arm camera project.