Have you ever wondered just how big of a problem drunk driving is in Minnesota?

Thanks to the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, we don’t have to wonder anymore as they have just made their DWI Dashboard, a tool that maps drunk driving incidents across the state, available to the public for the first time.

Why the New DWI Dashboard Matters for Minnesotans

This tool isn’t just a bunch of stats; it’s a real look at the risks right where you live. Before, only law enforcement had access to this dashboard, using it to track trends and focus on prevention.

Now, the rest of us can take a peek behind the curtain and see where these hotspots are, down to specific cities and counties. According to the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA), they hope that giving the public access will help raise awareness and make prevention a community effort.

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“We're bringing data together in a way we hope will help both law enforcement and the public gain a better understanding of the impact of impaired driving on Minnesota communities," BCA Superintendent Drew Evans said. “This also brings important data to community-driven prevention efforts."

It’s not just about seeing dots on a map. Each point represents real lives impacted. Someone who didn’t make it home safely, a family who got that dreaded late-night call, or a driver stopped just in time, avoiding tragedy but facing serious consequences.

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In September alone, Minnesota recorded 2,196 DWI arrests and 255 impaired-driving crashes. The numbers are hard to ignore, but they’re also a reminder that each of us plays a part in keeping these numbers down.

How to Access and Use Minnesota’s Public DWI Dashboard

Using the DWI Dashboard is super easy. You can view the dashboard at the bottom of this story, and from there, narrow down data by county, city, or even township to see what’s happening in your area.

The tool also lets you download results, which could be pretty handy if you’re someone who likes to dig into data.

Why the Minnesota DWI Dashboard Can Help Improve Community Safety

Drunk driving affects all of us, and the DWI Dashboard brings the problem into focus in a way that’s hard to ignore. This public access isn’t just about numbers, though, it’s meant to bring us together in fighting impaired driving.

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Hopefully, having this level of insight will inspire more of us to plan ahead, make safe choices, and, if needed, have those “tough love” talks with friends or family who might be tempted to get behind the wheel after drinking.

So next time you’re out, remember the choices we make can help keep Minnesota’s roads safer for everyone.

Interact With the New Minnesota DWI Dashboard Below

Click here to access the Minnesota DWI Dashboard website

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