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It's a big number we could eclipse this weekend, but it's not one Minnesota officials are looking forward to hitting.

The number we're talking about is 20,000-- as in 20,000 arrests for DWI. And it's a number that police and law enforcement officers across Minnesota could hit this weekend. That's the official word from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety. They posted an update on their Twitter page earlier this week, and the numbers tell the tale.

There have already been 19,750 arrests across Minnesota for DWI so far in 2020, with another 298 having happened last weekend alone. If this weekend is similar, we'll hit that 20,000 mark-- and then some. I'd like to think we're making some progress in NOT getting behind the wheel after having had too many drinks, but apparently not. Because as the Office of Traffic Safety noted, it's still a big problem.

Drunk driving remains a serious threat in Minnesota, contributing to 89 deaths in 2019. There were nearly 27,378 motorists arrested for DWI in 2019, and one in seven Minnesota licensed drivers has a DWI on record.

  • 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 alcohol-concentration level, must use ignition interlock in order to regain legal driving privileges or face at least one year without a driver’s license.
  • First-time offenders arrested at 0.16 and above are required to use interlock for one year.
  • Offenders with three or more offenses are required to use interlock for three to six years, or they will never regain driving privileges.

Now, if you'd still like to enjoy a few adult beverages but don't want to get behind the wheel (which is, of course, a really good idea), keep scrolling to check out this Wine Trolley that will DRIVE to some of the best wineries in southeast Minnesota and western Wisconsin!

CHEERS: Wine Trolley Takes You to Six Amazing Mississippi Valley Wineries

 

Listen to Curt St. John from 6 to 10 a.m. on Quick Country 96.5
and from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on 103.9 The Doc

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