Dear Editor,
This letter is on behalf of Safe Communities regarding impaired driving.
Each year there are four behaviors that are attributed to over 50 percent of the crashes in Minnesota. These four behaviors are referred to as the “Big Four Behaviors”, which are speeding, distracted driving, no seatbelt use, and drug or alcohol impairment.
Speeding and distracted driving are likely byproducts of an increasingly busy and technology filled world. People are busy, which can cause them to run late so they speed and then try to multi-task while driving. The technology we have available to us today tempts us to do just that.
The first seat belt law was passed in 1986, which required drivers and front seat passengers to wear seat belts. The seat belt and restraint laws continue to change, with the latest update going into effect on August 1st of this year. While I advise people to always wear a seatbelt, the consequences for not wearing one, or wearing it incorrectly, likely will only affect the people who choose to disobey the law.
Out of the big four behaviors the most dangerous, in my opinion, is that of impaired operations. I simply cannot rationalize any excuse one may have for making this choice that endangers so many other people on the roadway. It is the very definition of selfish, self-centered behavior and it is why I find impaired driving the most offensive.
On average 68 people are arrested in Minnesota every day for DUI. One in every five auto accident fatalities in the state involves a drunk driver, and about one in seven Minnesotans have at least one DUI on their record. Between 2018 and 2022 there was a 96% increase in drugged driving arrests. With the new legalization laws for marijuana, it’s likely these numbers will continue to increase.
There are so many ways to avoid this such as a designated driver or planning to leave a vehicle at a location until a later date. There are also ride shares, and programs that bars participate in that allow for reduced fees for taxis or public transit. Choose not to be the one who decides that you are more important than everyone else on the roadway and don’t drive impaired. Encourage those around you to make good choices and avoid driving under the influence. Do not tolerate this behavior if witnessed, and if drivers refuse to heed the request to not drive impaired, report them to law enforcement. We rely on these calls to keep the roadways safe. I can’t imagine the guilt someone would feel had they not called, and that impaired driver caused an accident hurting or killing themselves or someone else.
Your local law enforcement is only as effective as the citizens they serve. Do your part to report those impaired drivers who endanger us all. I often quote Sir Robert Peel’s 9 principles of policing which were derived in the 1800’s but still ring true to me today. I keep them mounted on the wall just outside my office as a daily reminder.
Principle number 7 states the following: To maintain at all times a relationship with the public that gives reality to the historic tradition that the police are the public and the public are the police, the police being the only members of the public who are paid to give full-time attention to the duties which are incumbent on every citizen in the interest of community welfare and existence.
Whenever possible, when I get a citizen report of a possible impaired driver, I call them back and thank them for their assistance in keeping the roadways safe. If we, as a society, stand up and refuse to tolerate or allow this behavior in our communities, we can make a difference.
Pete Standafer
Annandale Chief of Police
Member of Safe Communities of Wright County