Officials Urge To Have A Safe, Sober Ride On New Year's Eve
ST. PAUL, Minn. (WCCO) – State safety officials are urging motorists to plan for safe and sober ride this New Year's Eve as they strive to have a fifth straight year of zero drunk driving deaths.
Officials with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety said the state has gone four straight years without having a drunk driving death over the New Year's holiday. Officials said there have been eight deaths related to drunk driving on the holiday over the last 10 years.
From 2007-2012, there have been 10 traffic deaths with just one related to drunk driving and there have been a total of 1,477 DWI arrests. Officials said despite a downward trend in alcohol-related deaths over the New Year's holiday, it still has the potential to be a dangerous night if people don't plan ahead for a sober ride.
Police will be out in full force on New Year's Eve with extra squad patrols, and Metro Transit will be offering free rides to anyone who needs a safe and sober ride home. Free rides will not be available on the Northstar Commuter Light Rail.
