ST. PAUL — Minnesota’s Department of Public Safety said about 1,300 people have been arrested for driving while intoxicated so far in December.

State law enforcement agencies are working overtime hours this month as part of a campaign to prevent drunken driving tragedies. That’s accompanied by a statewide advertising campaign to notify Minnesotans of the added patrols.

In the previous three Decembers, 28 people total were killed in crashes caused by drunk drivers. In all, over the last five years, 651 people were killed in such crashes.

The Department of Public Safety urges Minnesotans to plan ahead on nights where drinking will be involved by designating a sober driver or using public transportation. They also ask people to report suspected drunk drivers by calling 911, and to take precautionary measures by buckling up.

 

Preventing drunk driving

• Plan for a safe ride — designate a sober driver, use a cab/public transportation, or stay at the location of the celebration. Let family/friends know you are available to offer a safe ride home.

• Buckle up and wear protective motorcycle gear — the best defenses against a drunk driver.

• Report drunk driving — call 911 when witnessing impaired driving behavior. Be prepared to provide location, license plate number and observed dangerous behavior.