Todd County Sheriff’s deputies will step up DWI enforcement patrols Super Bowl weekend Feb 5, -7, to intercept impaired drivers on the roadway. The enforcement will also include added seat belt patrols. The Todd County Sheriff’s office is advising motorists to have a game plan for sober ride for Super Bowl festivities and to always buckle up.

During Minnesota Super Bowl weekends 2006–2008, alcohol-related crashes accounted for five of the seven motorists killed and all five were not buckled up. During this same period, 1,474 motorists were arrested for DWI.

“Super Bowl parties often start early and run late, so designate a sober driver in advance of kick-off,” says Todd County Sheriff Peter J. Mikkelson. Sheriff Mikkelson adds that officers will also enforce

seat belt laws. Each year, 75 percent of the impaired drivers killed are not belted. “It’s critical that everyone in the vehicle buckles up. A seat belt is your best defense on the road against impaired drivers.”

During 2006–2008 in Todd County, there were nine traffic deaths and of those, four were alcohol-related. During this same time period, 589 were arrested for DWI through the Todd County Sheriff’s office. Each year in Minnesota, alcohol-related crashes account for up to 200 traffic deaths and more than 35,000 motorists are arrested for DWI.

Sheriff Mikkelson says Super Bowl party hosts should set ground rules for their guests prior to the first coin toss:

Use a sober driver, cab, public transportation or plan to crash at the party — not on the road.

Protect your team: every driver and passenger should be buckled up, before and after the game.

Do not attempt to drive home if you are impaired — a DWI can put your life in very poor field conditions.