Summer's last hurrah is almost here. Labor Day weekend is a great time to kick back, relax and enjoy the summer weather before fall starts to set in. As you're making your plans, make sure choosing a safe and sober ride is at the top of your to-do list.

Troopers, deputies and police officers across Minnesota are working together Aug. 16 through Sept. 2 to prevent impaired driving from endangering lives as part of a driving while impaired (DWI) extra enforcement campaign. Our Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) coordinates the statewide campaign, using funding provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

“It's so much fun over the holiday weekend to grill out with friends, take off to your favorite lake or park or sample the amazing foods and drinks at the State Fair" said OTS Director Mike Hanson. “This is what summer is all about in Minnesota, and we want people to stay safe as they travel. Always planning ahead for a safe and sober ride."

Law enforcement will be looking for drivers who appear impaired by alcohol, cannabis, prescription medications or any other substance. If you plan to drive, refrain from drugs, whether legally or illegally obtained. 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.

Remember: If you feel different, you drive different. Drugged driving accounted for 8,069 DWI incidents from 2013-2017 compared with 15,810 from 2018-2022.

The decision to drive impaired leads to heartache for families across Minnesota, and the summer months are particularly dangerous. There were 412 drunk driving-related traffic deaths in Minnesota from 2018-2022, and 197 occurred between May and August.

Alcohol-related crashes not only end lives, but also change them forever. Those crashes contribute to an average of 376 life-changing injuries each year (2018-2022).

If you are convicted of a DWI, you can lose your license for up to a year, pay thousands of dollars in financial costs and possibly be jailed. 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. The alternative is to face at least one year without a driver's license.

There is some good news: These crashes are 100 percent preventable. Designate a sober driver or use a safe, alternative transportation option, like a bus, taxi or ride share service. If you see an impaired person about to get behind the wheel, speak up and get them a safe ride home.

Also, don't forget to buckle up. It's the best defense against impaired drivers who may be sharing the road with you.​