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Politics & Government

Police to Increase DWI Enforcement During Thanksgiving Holiday

Heightened Enforcement Focus in Fridley with Anoka County DUI Task Force

While the majority of Minnesotans are having visions of turkey, football, shopping, and what to be thankful for during this extended weekend, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety's Office of Traffic Safety is having nightmares about the fact that this weekend is historically the year's deadliest holiday travel period.

Fridley and its surrounding areas are partnering with the MPS with extra presence on the roads to identify those too impaired to drive.

Don Abbott, Fridley's Director of Public Safety, talked to the Patch this afternoon about the weekends plans:

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"This evening and through the weekend, Anoka County has a DUI Task Force that will be running saturation patrols with 10-20 additional officers patrolling the Southern end of Anoka County. Fridley is part of that."

"We also use additional DUI funding to add patrols throughout the holiday season through the first of the year."

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When asked what should be done if you are on the road and suspect that there is an impaired driver in front of you, he said, "Call 911. The dispatcher will ask you for a license plate number, what type of car, color, and any type of distinguishing characteristics, such as a broken tail light, or a dent in a fender-anything that stands out about the vehicle.

If you are able to safely follow the vehicle, tell them and tell them the type of vehicle and plate of the vehicle you are driving, that will help the officer identify the vehicle."

What about if you are headed into a different city or county or onto a freeway?

"Still call 911. The State Patrol answers the calls and will contact the agencies that will handle the call."

Minnesota's legal limit for driving is .08. As of July 1st this year, there are stronger DWI sanctions for first time offenders with a .16 or repeat DWI offenders.

The solution? According to Abbott, "Think before you drink. Have a designated driver. Take a cab home. And if you're on the road this weekend? Keep your eyes open and buckle up."

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