With the holiday season upon us and many people traveling to visit friends and family, it is important that Minnesota’s roads remain safe.

That’s why more than 300 local law enforcement agencies will be offering additional DWI enforcement weekends through New Year’s Eve. The Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Office of Traffic Safety said in a news release this week that the enforcement campaign will begin Wednesday, Nov. 27, when many will be traveling for the Thanksgiving holiday.

Drivers are urged to make smart, responsible decisions and choose to drive sober to prevent tragedy during the holidays.

According to the press release, preliminary data shows, as of Tuesday, that 418 people have died in traffic accidents in the state this year. In Minnesota, between 2019 and 2023, there were 664 drunk driving deaths.

Minnesota State Patrol Chief Col. Christina Bogojevic said in the news release that the additional DWI enforcement is meant to send a clear message — that a reckless decision can lead to devastating results, including a crash that results in serious injury or death .

“Imagine finding out that a loved one didn’t make it home because they were involved in an accident with a drunk or drugged driver. Unfortunately, this is the reality too many families face when one of our soldiers knocks on their door to deliver that life-changing news,” she said.

According to the press release, 127,419 people have been pulled over in the past five years statewide for driving while impaired.

The Department of Public Safety also reminds the public that impaired means impaired, regardless of the substance. In addition to alcohol, substances ranging from cannabis and hemp-derived THC products to prescription drugs and sleeping pills can also impair driving skills.

Similar to alcohol, drivers on Minnesota roads are not allowed to open any cannabis packages or consume cannabis while driving.

A DWI conviction can result in the loss of your driver’s license for up to a year and thousands of dollars in fines, along with possible jail time. According to the news release, repeat offenders and those arrested with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.16 or higher must use an ignition interlock device to regain driving privileges.

Officials recommend planning ahead for the holiday season. Be sure to plan a safe and sober trip for each holiday; offer to be a designated driver to make yourself available to pick up a friend or family member anytime, anywhere; and be sure to link up. According to the release, wearing a seat belt is the best defense anyone has against an impaired driver on the road.

The Department of Public Safety says if you see someone impaired about to drive, help them find a safe ride home. Additionally, if you observe any suspected impaired driving, be sure to call 911 and be prepared to provide the location, license plate number, and any observed behavior.