Red Lake to crack down on DWIs

Bemidji Pioneer

RED LAKE — Red Lake Law Enforcement will conduct a month-long DWI enforcement crackdown during the month of July, according to a press release. The statewide impaired driving enforcement sweep covers the Fourth of July holiday weekend and will include participation from more than 400 Minnesota and tribal law enforcement agencies.

Officers are urging motorists not to forget about the importance of seat belts — the best defense in case of a crash.

“It’s obvious that motorists who make the mistake of driving impaired also make the mistake of neglecting to buckle up,” says Director of Public Safety William Brunelle. “Our tribal DWI enforcement is emphasizing the importance of seat belts at every traffic stop to prevent unnecessary fatalities.”

He said extra enforcement is an effective route to stop impaired driving.

“Tribal Law enforcement is serious about taking impaired drivers off the road, and we need tribal community members to be serious about planning ahead for safe rides to avoid drinking and driving,” Brunelle said.

Of the impaired drivers and their passengers killed in alcohol-related crashes, more than 70 percent were not wearing seat belts, Brunelle said. He said officers will include seat belt enforcement during the nighttime DWI patrols to minimize risk of death or injury. In addition to the enhanced enforcement, Red Lake Police will be conducting DUI checkpoints at various locations on the reservation.