MN DPS Warns Drivers to be Safe on Super Bowl Sunday
Friday, January 25, 2013 - 12:19pm
Press Release
Baxter – Minnesota traffic safety officials are concerned about the safety of motorists during the Super Bowl weekend, especially on Sunday, February 3. According to Minnesota Department of Public Safety records it is noted that during Super Bowl weekends 2008–2012, there were at least nine traffic deaths and at least 1,101 motorists arrested for DWI.
At least one of the nine deaths was alcohol-related.
Tragedies like these are avoidable.
Sgt. Curt Mowers, Regional Public Information Officer with the Minnesota State Patrol said, "You can also expect numerous law enforcement agencies along with the State Patrol to have extra DWI patrols out on the roads in some regions of the state, diligently searching for impaired drivers during Super Bowl weekend, so plan ahead for that safe ride home."
Sgt. Mowers also said, "Due to the extra amount of traffic from Super Bowl parties and the added element of alcohol, we are treating the Super Bowl like other special big events or holidays when it comes to educating the public about planning ahead not to drink and drive, and to solicit safe rides home in advance. There are plenty of other options out there and all of them are better than driving impaired. We are going to continue working together to help make drunk driving socially unacceptable in Minnesota."
All motorists are being urged to slow down, buckle up, drive sober, pay attention, drive to the existing conditions and report impaired drivers.