Dakota County Officials Offer Tips For A Safe St. Patrick's Day

DAKOTA COUNTY, MN — Dakota County Attorney Kathy Keena and Sheriff Tim Leslie reminded residents not to drink and drive this St. Patrick's Day with "Designate O'Driver."

According to the two officials, there were 22,500 DWI arrests and 89 impairement-related traffic deaths in Minnesota in 2020.

"Make it a priority when getting behind the wheel to be sober," the officials said. "It’s really that simple. The Dakota County Sheriff and County Attorney ask you to promote a safe celebration and drive sober."

The two county officials offered the following tips to avoid impaired driving for those choosing to celebrate St. Patrick's Day with alcohol:

• Decide whether you’ll drink or drive - - you can’t do both
• If you’re planning on drinking, now is the time to arrange your sober ride home
• When you head out, leave your keys at home, or give them to your sober driver
• If you’re hosting a party where alcohol or other substances will be used, it’s your job to make sure all guests leave with a sober driver
• Look up a local taxi company, Uber or Lyft and save their number in your phone
• Have a backup plan just in case
• Always buckle up!