Minnesota December’s DWI enforcement statistics were just released by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety and it is not good. According to their press release, the statewide law enforcement effort resulted in 2,655 DWI arrests. The average alcohol concentration of the offenders was 0.14, which is nearly twice the legal limit of 0.08. This statistic reflects 331 agencies out of 400.

While the holidays are a time to celebrate, the cost of a DWI can cost an offender up to $20,000. This includes fees and increased car insurance rates. Sounds like a very costly holiday celebration.

In addition, law enforcement also cited 1,653 seat belt non-use violations. If you don’t wear your seat belt you are more likely to be either seriously injured or killed especially in an alcohol related crash. Statistic show that an impaired driver and passenger not wearing a seat belt in an alcohol related crash during 2005-2007 were more than 70 percent likely to be killed.

Law enforcement will continue DWI patrols throughout 2009. They will step up patrols in Minnesota’s 13 deadliest counties for alcohol related crashes. These counties are Anoka, Blue Earth, Crow Wing, Dakota, Hennepin, Itasca, Ramsey, Rice, St. Louis, Sherburne, Stearns, Washington and Wright.