Blackout Wednesday: West Metro Plans Extra DWI Patrols

MINNEAPOLIS — The holidays are filled with joy, happiness and time together with family and friends. Too often the joy turns to sorrow when a family is notified of a loved one’s tragic death on Minnesota roads due to someone driving impaired.

To help keep families together this holiday season, Minneapolis Police along with Crystal, Golden Valley, New Hope, Robbinsdale, and the University of Minnesota Police Departments will be participating with law enforcement statewide in an extra DWI enforcement campaign running on weekends starting Nov. 21 through Dec. 29.

“As people host holiday parties, it’s crucial for everyone to have a plan before consuming alcohol,” said Sgt. David Stichter in a statement.

“As your guests arrive, ask them about their plans, and if they don’t have a plan, get them a ride home or offer them a bed for the night. It’s much better to lie in a bed than a coffin.”

Holiday, Number of DWIs Per Hour (2013-2017) in Minnesota:

• Halloween: 4.0
• Fourth of July: 3.9
• Labor Day: 3.8
• St. Paddy's Day: 3.8
• Memorial Day: 3.6
• Thanksgiving: 3.6
• New Year's Day: 3.3
• Super Bowl: 3.2
• Valentine's Day: 3.2
• Cinco de Mayo: 3.0
• Annual Average: 2.9
• Christmas: 2.5

Blackout Wednesday Dangers

Blackout Wednesday (the day before Thanksgiving) is traditionally associated with a night of binge drinking. Many college students are returning home for a night of celebrating with friends and with no work on Thursday, many adults get together after a short work-week.

The Minnesota Office of Traffic Safety calls Blackout Wednesday one of the most dangerous nights on the road in the state. Last year, 133 drivers were arrested for DWI during a 12 hour period on Blackout Wednesday (6 p.m. Wednesday – 6 a.m. Thanksgiving), according to a news release.

For a typical 48 period (Wednesday-Thursday), roughly a 100 people are arrested in Minnesota for DWI.

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