As Minnesotans head into the July 4th holiday week, they are moving toward one of the most deadly weeks on state roads. This is why authorities are urging drivers to stay sober and be safe.
As of June 28, 149 people had already died on Minnesota roads in 2013. This is up from the 138 who had died in crashes this time last year.
The latest fatality was that of a 29-year-old motorcyclist who was killed by a 44-year-old Lakeville woman with a blood alcohol concentration of .36.
As the July 4th week kicks off, the state Department of Public Safety has issued warnings to drivers that they should have a plan so they have a sober ride, adhere to traffic laws, be patient, and wear their seatbelts.
In the past five years, 29 people have died in traffic accidents over the 4th of July holiday. Nineteen of the deaths were related to alcohol, according to authorities. Authorities also stated that four of those deaths occurred in 2011 and 2010, seven in 2009, eight in 2008, and 2007 was a year that saw no deaths. A total of 94 people have been injured over the 4th of July and 23 of them were injured in alcohol-related crashes.
There will be an increase in patrols during the holiday, especially in the 13 deadliest counties in the state when it comes to drinking and driving. All of those counties are in the Twin Cities metro area.
There will also be increased patrols into the weekend for those celebrating late due to the holiday falling in the middle of the work week.
All in all, this is a historically deadly holiday because the weather is nice and more people celebrate and travel as they get together over the holiday.
If you or a loved one have been arrested for any Minnesota DWI offense, feel free to contact Minneapolis DWI Lawyer, F. T. Sessoms, to obtain a complete review of your case.