Newspaper Clipping - Newspaper Clipping Scan - Extra patrol for impaired driving - 7/1/2002 The Fourth of July is a great time for friends, families,
fireworks and food, not to mention the celebration of our country's
independence.
But it's also a time that puts law enforcement and public
safety officials on guard.
The advent of legalized fireworks makes this year in
particular a little more dangerous, and therefore, makes those who
protect and serve a little more cautious. Already two recent
significant fires in Minnesota, a wildfire in Brainerd and a house
fire in Arden Hills, were caused by errant fireworks, and the number
of fires started by fireworks in St. Paul has more than tripled since
last year.
Even legalized fireworks can be dangerous if used improperly,
and in addition to fires, serious injury can result. While kids under
18 can legally use fireworks, they probably shouldn't do so without
adult supervision. Taking simple, common sense measures when using
fireworks, like always read the instructions on the package before
igniting them, can go a long way toward keeping celebrations happy.
Another hazard of this particular time of year is drunk
drivers. According to the Eagan Police Department, last year
Minnesota law enforcement officers arrested more than 33,300 drivers
for DWI offenses. There were 211 alcohol-related deaths (37 percent
of all traffic fatalities) and 4,034 alcohol-related injuries in
Minnesota last year.
This year, from July 1-7, Eagan and Rosemount police officers
will join forces to provide extra enforcement and education targeting
drunk driving. They are teaming up as part of the Minnesota
Department of Safety's Safe and Sober campaign, an ongoing program to
reduce the number of crashes and injuries on Minnesota's highways.
"This enforcement period is our American revolution against
drunk drivers, " said Sgt. Greg Johnson of the Eagan Police
Department. "Too many times drunk drivers have ruined this holiday
for innocent people and we don't intend to let that happened again."
Amazingly, one out of every 10 licensed Minnesota drivers has
a DWI on their driving record, according to the Eagan Police
Department. A DWI can bring up to one year in jail and a $3,000 fine,
and when all fines, fees and increased insurance premiums are added
up, a DWI can end up costing more than $19,000.
The best way to protect yourself is to buckle up. Currently
about 74 percent of Minnesotans use their seatbelts, Johnson said.
For every 1 percent increase in seatbelt use, four to five lives are
saved per year. Now that's sobering.
So this year, enjoy your friends and families and celebrate
our country's freedom. But, please, let's be careful out there.
-Erin Johnson
Eagan Thisweek Newspaper