Scott County law enforcement officers will increase DWI patrol throughout December in an attempt to prevent traffic tragedies during the holiday season.

About 400 law enforcement agencies across the state of Minnesota will participate in the statewide impaired driving enforcement sweep throughout December, which is one of the year’s deadliest months for alcohol-related crashes. Scott County agencies involved in the increased DWI patrol are: the Scott County Sheriff Office and the Shakopee, Prior Lake, Savage, New Prague, Jordan and Belle Plaine police departments.

These agencies will also be participation in high visibility enforcement efforts, where people can expect to see multiple officers working together in various locations throughout Scott County. 

From 2005 to 2007, 41 motorists were killed in alcohol-related crashes and another 10,553 were arrested for DWI in the month of December.

In Minnesota, 505,152 motorists have a DWI, which is one in eight with a driver’s record.  A DWI can cost up to $20,000 when factoring in increased insurance costs, legal and other fees.

“An effective route to stop impaired driving is through extra enforcement,” said Prior Lake Police Sgt. Greg Zollner. “Law enforcement is serious about taking impaired drivers off the road, and we need citizens to be serious about planning ahead for safe rides and avoid the repercussions of drinking and driving.”

Alcohol-related crashes accounted for 553 traffic deaths and 1,253 serious injuries on Minnesota roads the last three years. During this same period 117,764 motorists were arrested for DWI.

Officers will also include seatbelt enforcement during the nighttime DWI patrols to minimize risk of death or injury. Of the impaired drivers and their passengers killed in alcohol-related crashes from  2005 to 2007, 71 percent were not wearing seatbelts.

Participation agencies are encouraging the use of “Designated Driver Gift Certificates” — which can be sent to friends and family via email at www.minnesotasafeandsober.org. The certificates offer a safe ride home for a night out, and call for the recipient to return the favor.

Safe and Sober is funded by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and administered by the Department of Public Safety. The program is designed to reduce traffic-related fatalities and serious injuries.

 -- Shawn Hogendorf