2008 Woodie Awards
Area joins fight to stop drunk driving
Robyn Jodlowski
Issue date: 7/9/07 Section: News
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Their goal was to "increase people's awareness and prevent drunk driving from happening," said Renee Frauendienst, director of the public health division.
Coborn's spokesperson Steve Gottwalt said it made sense to publicize this important message.
"It's one of the highest traveling days nationally and here in Minnesota," he said.
Independence Day is known for an increase in travelers on the road, as well as an increase in drunk driving.
"At a time when we tend to have more opportunities for gathering with friends and family, we need to let people know that they need to consider alternatives to drinking and driving," Frauendienst said.
Road signs and billboards around the county warned drivers of increased police patrols while pump toppers at gas stations and information sheets at liquor stores tried to prevent people from driving while under the influence.
"All of this together is an attempt to impact the number of fatalities related to drunk driving," Frauendienst said.
Gottwalt agreed and said Coborn's took the holiday as a chance to inform a large community.
"It's a great holiday, a great time to have fun," he said. "We know a lot of people shop for groceries at our stores and buy gasoline. It made sense to offer this information to our customers. This was a great opportunity to collaborate with the public health department to let people know, at a critical time, how important it is to play it safe."
Minnesota law states anyone with a blood alcohol level above .08 is intoxicated and unfit to operate a vehicle.
DWI laws also target anyone under the influence of a controlled substance. The maximum penalty for a first offense is a $1,000 fine and 90 days in jail.
Both Gottwalt and Frauendienst said college students should think carefully before getting behind the wheel, not just during holidays, but anytime they drink.