QUESTION: How many Minnesota drivers have a DWI on their record?

ANSWER: There is a lot of disturbing data about impaired drivers in Minnesota. In 2014, 25,258 motorists were arrested for DWI (Driving While Intoxicated), an average of 69 arrests per day. One out of every seven licensed drivers in Minnesota has a DWI on record.

Males and young adults lead the way in DWIs. In 2014, 21-34 year olds made up 52 percent of DWIs; males made up 67 percent of DWIs. So, if you are the grandparent, parent or girlfriend of a guy over 20 and under 35, please talk to him about how important he is to you and that you don’t want him killed, maimed or in prison because of an alcohol or drug impaired driving crash.

Keeping the male you love safe and alive is worth an argument over not getting the keys to the car when he has been drinking alcohol or smoking pot; both those substances impair motor skills.

Most alcohol-related crashes occur on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Combined, these three days account for 39 percent of all traffic crashes, but 58 percent of the alcohol-related crashes.

The late night hours of 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. account for 12 percent of all crashes, but 51 percent of the alcohol-related crashes.

During the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement effort, more than 300 law enforcement agencies statewide are looking for motorists who are not making smart choices with alcohol or drugs. Let’s help them out by calling 911 to report the location and car license number if we suspect impaired driving when we’re traveling.

The Parenting Resource Center coordinates the Mower County TZD (Toward Zero Deaths) Safe Roads Coalition. The Minnesota Drive Sober Or Get Pulled Over Law Enforcement Wave is in effect through Labor Day.