Police ready for New Year's Eve

Law enforcement to be on alert for drunk drivers

By FRITZ BUSCH

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- Law enforcement labels New Year's Eve "amateur night" non-drinkers sometimes go on drinking binges or regular drinkers get caught up in the excitement and drink more than they otherwise would.

Revelers who visit drinking establishments should be aware that there is no free cab ride home in New Ulm. However, the local cab company will provide service an extra hour, operating until 3 a.m. on New Year's Eve.

New Ulm Police Chief Erv Weinkauf advises those who leave home to drink on New Year's Eve would do well to have a sober, designated driver.

NUPD officers will be out on patrol on New Year's Eve to ensure roadways remain safe, just like they are any other time of the year.

"We aren't against people having drinks this time of year, we just want people to use good, common sense," Weinkauf said. "I believe most people are very sincere about buckling up and driving sober. Unfortunately, they sometimes become the victims of those that aren't."

Weinkauf seeks the help of those driving vehicles on New Year's Eve.

"Losing a loved one in a crash at the hands of a drunk driver -- what a tragic way to bring in the new year!" Weinkauf said.

Brown County Sheriff Tim Brennan believes people now have a better understanding that drinking and driving is not a good idea than they used to.

"We'll be looking for drunk drivers like we always do," Brennan said. "I've got good, young deputies out working hard. We've been making lots of arrests of underage drinkers and drunk drivers. We need to cut down on the amount of damage that could be done by drinking and driving."

Statewide statistics echo the Weinkauf's and Brennan's points about the public's better understanding of drinking and driving.

The number of traffic annual traffic deaths in Minnesota reached a high of almost 1,000 during the 1970s. Traffic deaths decreased to about 600 per year in the early 1980s and have leveled off since then. Leading factors that contributed to the decrease include more seat belt use and reduced drunk driving incidents, according to the Minnesota Department of Transportation.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the 2003 Minnesota traffic death toll was 583, up slightly from 580 in 2002, according to MnDOT.

Other statistics from MnDOT and the National Safety Council:

* Traffic crashes are the leading cause of death in the United States for people aged 1-33, the National Safety Council reported.

* There are about 41,500 traffic fatalities in the U.S. each year.

* In 2000, a person in the U.S. died in a traffic crash every 13 minutes.

* There was a crash-related injury every 10 seconds.

* Most crashes are due to human error.

* Primary factors in 94 percent of fatal crashes are illegal or unsafe speeds, driver inattention or distraction, drinking and driving and failure to yield the right of way.

* Vehicle occupants can significantly reduce crash risk by paying attention, wearing seat belts, driving sober and slowing down.

* Vehicle safety improvements include better seat belts, air bags, anti-lock brakes, seat design including child safety seats, and new crumple zone technology.

* Seventy-five percent of Minnesota fatal crashes occur in rural areas.

* Increasing seat belt use from the current 73 percent to 85 percent would save 50 lives per year in Minnesota.

* Reducing the blood alcohol content level from .10 to .08 would save 50 lives per year in Minnesota.