Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Cody Nelson
ST. PAUL, Minn.

Police push nabs over 1,500 drunk drivers

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Log inCreate a free Account

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

Show me!

A late summer push to catch drunk drivers led to the arrests of more than 1,500 motorists on Minnesota roads.

Police from 344 agencies around the state increased DWI enforcement efforts from Aug. 16 to Sept. 2, leading to 1,556 DWI arrests during the period.

State Patrol Lt. Eric Roeske said the federally funded campaign included more officers on patrol specifically watching for drivers under the influence.

Though some DWI enforcement efforts last all year, Roeske said, others are targeted.

"A lot of them focus around summer holiday weekends," he said. "Any time we see a higher instance of alcohol-related crashes and drunk driving instances."

But it's difficult to determine what increased enforcement actually prevents in the short term.

"Our goal is to have a reduction or elimination of impaired driving deaths and we're really not going to be satisfied until we accomplish that," Roeske said.

Last year, September was the deadliest month on Minnesota roads with 48 deaths, according to state figures.

Last Friday through Monday, eight people died on Minnesota roads.

Roeske said Labor Day travel, students going back to school and the beginning of football season all contributed to the high number of deaths.