ST. PAUL — Minnesotans thinking ahead to Labor Day holiday celebrations can make an easy decision to ensure the good times don’t end in tragedy: Plan a safe and sober ride.

Troopers, deputies and officers will be participating in a DWI enforcement campaign Aug. 16 through Sept. 2 to stop impaired driving from endangering lives. The statewide campaign includes extra enforcement and advertising​ in support of the Toward Zero Deaths traffic safety program. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) coordinates the campaign with 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 beverages at the Great Minnesota Get-Together,” 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 plan ahead for a safe and sober ride.”

If you feel different, you drive different

Law enforcement will be looking for drivers who appear impaired by alcohol, cannabis, prescription medications or other substances. Figures show that the decision to drive impaired leads to heartache for families across Minnesota.

• Through Aug. 11, there were 64 alcohol-related traffic fatalities compared with 64 last year and 80 in 2022 at this time (preliminary figures).
• During May through August, 2018-2022, 197 people died in drunk driving-related crashes.
• There were 412 drunk driving-related traffic deaths in Minnesota from 2018-2022.
• Alcohol-related crashes contribute to an average of 376 life-changing injuries each year (2018-2022).
• Drugged driving accounted for 8,069 DWI incidents from 2013-2017 compared with 15,810 from 2018-2022.

Follow the cannabis law to stay safe on the road

Consuming cannabis can impair driving abilities. Reaction time is slower and understanding of distance and speed is different. Other substances, ranging from hemp-derived THC edibles to prescription medications and sleep aids, can also affect safe driving abilities.

It’s illegal under the cannabis law for:

• Drivers or passengers to open any cannabis packaging, use marijuana or consume other cannabis products in a vehicle.
• Drivers or passengers to have an unsealed or open container of marijuana (for example, 2 ounces in a zip-close bag). The only exception is an unsealed container or other opened products must be kept in the trunk or another area not accessible by the driver or passengers.
• The driver to be impaired by marijuana or other cannabis products. Driving high is a DWI.

DWI consequences upend your life

• 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.
• 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 see an impaired person about to get behind the wheel, get them a safe ride home.
• If you plan to drive, refrain from drugs, whether legally or illegally obtained. If you feel different, you drive different.
• 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.
• Buckle up. It’s the best defense against impaired drivers.

Resources:

• DriveSmartMN.org​
• Traffic Safety and Cannabis Q&A

About the Minnesota Department Public Safety

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s 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 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.