The Minnesota Department of Public Safety is urging motorists planning to drink before getting behind the wheel this Thanksgiving to think twice. Law enforcement agencies around the state are adding extra DWI patrols this holiday season in an effort to combat drunk driving-related crashes.

The enforcement effort begins Wednesday night, which is historically a popular party night. Extra DWI patrols will run through December.

“Thanksgiving begins a busy travel season, and we need everyone’s help to ensure our roads remain as safe as possible,” said Minnesota State Patrol Lt. Eric Roeske in a press release. “Safe roads begin with safe decisions, especially planning ahead for a sober ride.”

MnDOT urging safe travel

ST. PAUL — As holiday travel season approaches, the Minnesota Department of Transportation is reminding motorists to use caution while driving across the state and to take advantage of the tools MnDOT makes available for safer, more predictable travel.

“Getting people safely from A to B during this holiday season is a team effort,” said Commissioner Charlie Zelle. “MnDOT does its part to keep our roads in good shape and clear of snow and ice, and motorists have the responsibility for driving attentively and according to the road conditions.”

Because weather can change quickly during this time of year, MnDOT urges motorists to know what the driving conditions are like before heading out.

MnDOT’s 511 travel information service provides road and winter driving conditions for the entire state and links to official weather information from the National Weather Service. 511 is available online at www.511.mn.org and by dialing 5-1-1. Motorists also may download a free 511 application to get the same information on their smartphones and other mobile devices. The 511 mobile app is intended to be used before motorists hit the road and should never be used while driving.

Safety experts agree that taking rest breaks is important, especially on long driving trips. Most of Minnesota’s rest areas are open and available 24 hours per day, seven days per week. For a complete listing of rest areas and their availability visit www.dot.state.mn.us/restareas.

Driving facts

Thanksgiving travel period (Wed.–Sun.), 2010–2012:

•Seven people were killed on the roads — five were motorists, of which three were not buckled.

•Five of the seven people killed were a result of a drunk driving crash.

•1,522 motorists were arrested for DWI.

Minnesota drunk driving facts

•104 people were killed in drunk driving crashes in 2012.

•2,644 people suffered injuries in alcohol-related crashes in 2012.

•28,418 people were arrested for DWI in 2012—the average alcohol-concentration was 0.154.

Tips to Prevent Drunk Driving

•Plan for a sober ride — designate a sober driver, use a cab/public transportation or stay at the location of the celebration.

•Offer to be a designated driver, or be available to pick up a loved one anytime, anywhere.

•Buckle up — the best defense against a drunk driver.

•Report drunk driving — call 911 when witnessing impaired driving behavior. Be prepared to provide location, license plate number and observed dangerous behavior.