DWI and the ‘100 deadliest days on Minnesota roads’

When do we need to be extra careful on the road?

Named as one of the best DUI/DWI lawyers in Minnesota by other lawyers.

More DWI arrests and traffic deaths occur between Memorial Day and Labor Day than any other time of year on Minnesota’s roads.

Summer is the peak season for both DWI arrests and traffic deaths in Minnesota. For this reason, the Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) has dubbed the period between Memorial Day and Labor Day “the 100 deadliest days on Minnesota roads.”What’s more, the July 4thholiday period results in more DWI arrests than any other holiday on the calendar.

Statistics show that between 2013 and 2017 — the most recent data available — Minnesota law enforcement officers averaged 3.9 DWI arrests per hour over the Fourth of July holiday period. The Labor Day and St. Patrick’s Day holiday periods tied for second with an average of 3.8 arrests per hour.

As you likelyhave surmised, law enforcement’s awareness of these statistics also means that DWI and traffic enforcement is stepped up over summer months. And this is bad news for anyone who gets behind the wheel after one (or three) too many.

Even if the increased enforcement is targeting violations other than DWI — such as speeding, seat belt infractions or distracted driving — anything that gives an officer reason to stop you can lead to a DWI arrest if you’ve had too much to drink or are under the influence of a controlled substance.

So, your best bet is to plan a sober ride home. However, in the event that circumstances conspire against you, and you are arrested for DWI, call a seasoned criminal defense lawyer at the first available opportunity. Minnesota law requires that you be given the chance to call an attorney before deciding whether to submit to an in-custody breath test. If you find yourself in such a situation, take the time and make the call.

DWI defense attorney Douglas Hazleton is available 24-7 — Call us at (612) 334-3342.

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