You Got a DUI: A Twitter Shout Out You Don’t Want to Have

The Minnesota Department of Transportation has added a new weapon to their DUI arsenal. They are posting Tweets like this:

It is an effort to add real stories and shame to each of these stops.

Digital Trends pointed out that:

Up to 150 law enforcement squads will roam about the cities to crack down on drunk driving. The Department cites that more drunk driving accidents occur during warmer months, hence the need to take early actions to stop such behavior. “In the last five years, 651 people were killed in drunk driving crashes,” the announcement reports. “Drunk driving deaths account for one-third of the state’s total deaths annually.”

Will the shame prevent someone from drinking and driving? Maybe not, but it all adds to the educations and seriousness of these driving habits. The Iowa State Patrol gives us this advice:

– Plan a safe way home before the festivities begin.

– Before drinking, please designate a sober driver and leave your car keys at home.

– If you're impaired, use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation so you are sure to get home safely.

– Use your community's Sober Rides program if one is available.

– If you happen to see a drunk driver on the road, don't hesitate to contact your local law enforcement.

– And remember, if you know someone who is about to drive or ride while impaired, take their keys and help them make other arrangements to get to where they are going safely.

In any drunk driving collision, there are a number of issues that will need to be reviewed. My partner, Joe Crumley, addressed this topic in a past article for the Minnesota Trial magazine. Beyond the accident, there may be Dram shop issues ( was there an illegal drink) that have to be investigated.