Impaired Driving

Reducing the fatalities and injuries that result from impaired driving requires strong laws and support for implementation of those laws, use of innovative technology, and implementation of education and prevention programs. Communities must support programs that address a broad range of issues that change the behavior of both the young, inexperienced drinking driver and the habitually drunk driver.

Drug Recognition Evaluator

The drug evaluation and classification (DEC) program trains Minnesota law enforcement officers to detect specific drug impairment and remove drug-impaired drivers from the road.

DWI Courts

A DWI (Driving While Impaired) Court is an accountability court dedicated to changing the behavior of alcohol and other drug dependant offenders arrested for driving while impaired.

DWI eCharging

DWI eCharging provides a method for criminal justice stakeholders to accurately and efficiently process information needed to administratively and criminally charge a person with impaired driving.

Ignition Interlock

Ignition interlock is an effective tool that reduces re-arrest by an average of 64 percent. Communities are encouraged to support programs that will increase the use of ignition interlock.

Legislation in Minnesota

Legislation elsewhere

Research

Research reports and other resources regarding impaired driving

Safe Ride Programs

Alternative transportation programs are not available in all communities, so communities are encouraged to promote the development of these programs and the concept of planning for a safe ride home.

2007 Minnesota Strategic Highway Safety Plan Goal

"Reduce the number (and percentage) of fatalities that are alcohol-related from 197 (35% of traffic deaths) in 2005 to no more than 125 (26% of traffic deaths) by 2010."

Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor

The Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor (TSRP) is responsible for improving traffic safety by improving criminal prosecution.

Other Resources