Until recently, Scott County had the notoriety of being among the Minnesota counties with the highest incidence of DWI (driving while intoxicated) fatalities.
The Minnesota Department of Public Safety annually releases a list of the worst counties for DWI-related motor vehicle deaths, and thankfully, Scott County is no longer among the worst. Still, there are too many crashes involving impaired driving that lead to fatalities or serious injuries.
Law enforcement agencies working with the Minnesota Department of Public Safety and with federal funding have stepped up with concentrated patrols throughout the year.
It is discouraging and more than a little sad to realize that people still make the choice to drink and drive, even when they know they are endangering lives, including their own.
And now, during the holiday season, when people are inclined to imbibe even more, the problem is magnified.
Law enforcement will do its part with saturation patrols. And motorists can avoid the dangers of killing themselves or others or being arrested by finding an alternative to drinking and driving, such as using a designated driver or calling a taxi.
We commend the local establishments that have agreed to help during the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. The fifth-annual Home for the Holidays Designated Driver Program started Dec. 21 and runs through Sunday. Under the program, sponsored by the Scott County Safe Communities Coalition, area bars and restaurants in the county have agreed to provide free non-alcoholic beverages to customers who identify themselves as designated drivers.
The participants by city:
Shakopee — Arnie’s Friendly Folks Club, Babe’s Place, Louisville Lanes, Pablo’s Mexican Restaurant, Pullman Club, Shakopee Eagles Club 4120, Stonebrooke Golf Course, Turtles and VFW Post 4046.
Savage — American Legion Dan Patch Post 643, Applebee’s, Buffalo Tap & Grill, Buffalo Wild Wings, El Loro, McHugh’s, Neisen’s Sports Bar and Tin Shed Tavern.
Prior Lake — Basement Bar & Grill, Captain Jack’s, Extra Innings Saloon, Fong’s Chinese Cuisine, Legends Club Grill, O’Malley’s On Main, Prior Lake VFW 6208, The Wilds Golf Course and T.J. Hooligan’s.
Belle Plaine — Andy’s Bar, Borough Bowl, Johan’s Bar, Hucks Shipwreck Saloon, Neil’s Pub, Red Door and Sparetime Tavern.
Jordan — Brewer’s Bar, Clancy’s, Jack’s Bar, Moola’s Bar and Ridges at Sand Creek.
New Prague — City Club Bar, Classic Grille & Bar, Corner Bar, Fishtale Grill, Flipside Pub & Grill, Miller’s Tap, Praha Haus, Simon’s Sportsman’s Bar and Strike Force Bowl.
Elko New Market — Bergstrom’s, Bulls Eye Saloon, Captain Black’s, Firehouse, Leo’s and The End Zone.
For more information on how to participate next year or how to join the Safe Communities Coalition, contact Angie Lefebvre at Scott County Public Health: (952) 496-8555.