Law enforcement officers across the state kicked off a statewide drunken driving enforcement campaign today that will run weekends through the end of December.

The campaign is part of the state’s Toward Zero Deaths program, which aims to create a safe driving culture in the state and encourage motorists to practice safe and smart driving behavior.

“We hear it time and time again from offenders — if I could just go back and get a ride home, my friend would be alive today,” said Minnesota State Patrol Sgt. Troy Christianson in a news release.

The release stated there were 59 alcohol-related traffic deaths in southeastern Minnesota during the last seven years. In the same time, there were more than 14,000 arrests for driving while intoxicated.

Authorities offer four tips to preventing further cases of drunken driving:

Plan for a safe ride. Designate a sober driver, use a cab or public transportation, or stay at the location of the celebration.

Offer to be a designated driver.

Wear a seat belt.

Report drunken driving. Be prepared to provide location, license plate number and observed dangerous behavior.

A DWI offense can cause a loss of a license for up to a year, thousands in costs and possible jail time.

Repeat DWI offenders, as well as first-time offenders arrested at 0.16 percent and above blood alcohol content, are required to use an ignition interlock device to regain driving privileges.

Across the state, drunken driving arrests have decreased every year since 2006. In 2006, law enforcement officers arrested almost 42,000 drivers in Minnesota for DWI. In 2013, that number dropped to about 26,000, the lowest in state history.

 

Snowy travel

The Minnesota Department of Transportation advises caution when hitting the roads this weekend, one of the busiest travel times of the year.

Snow was in the outlook today for southern Minnesota and northern Iowa. Albert Lea is expected to get 2 to 4 inches today, according to the National Weather Service, with a 30 percent chance of additional snow Friday. The high Saturday is forecast for 37, so expect much of it to melt.

Because weather can change quickly during this time of year, MnDOT urges motorists to check 511 travel information. The new winter road descriptions are normal, partially covered, completely covered, travel not advised and closed.