Law enforcement cracking down on impaired drivers

Published 8:04 am Friday, September 4, 2009

Southeastern Minnesota law enforcement agencies are cracking down on impaired drivers as part of the nationwide Drunk Driving — Over the Limit Under Arrest enforcement campaign.

The campaign is funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and gives grants to local agencies for increased enforcement.

The latest effort began Aug. 21 and continues through Labor Day Weekend.

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Mower County Sheriff Terese Amazi said 16 hours of overtime have already been added for local deputies.

“DWIs are a problem everywhere,” Amazi said. “We’re doing what we can to get people to have a sober driver or get people to call a cab or stay home.”

According to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, one in eight Minnesotans has a driving while intoxicated citation on their record.

The Drunk Driving — Over the Limit Under Arrest campaign is a component of Minnesota’s Toward Zero Deaths traffic safety program.

According to a TZD statement, there have been 3,500 DWI citations issued in 2008. And between 2006-2008, there were 50 deaths on Minnesota roadways due to alcohol-related crashes.

The trend continues in 2009.

Nathan Bowie, spokesperson for the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, said more than 10 people statewide died in traffic accidents over Memorial Day Weekend, the deadliest Memorial Day Weekend in Minnesota in 13 years.

“During a holiday, in the mix is not only speed and non-belt use, but impairment is always an issue,” he said.

Bowie added that 400 agencies nationwide are participating in the Drunk Driving — Over the Limit Under Arrest campaign.