Local Public Safety Officials Encourages Both Teens and Adults to Make Smart Decisions this Memorial Day Weekend

Ada, MN — With graduations, vacations, and trips to the lakes, the Memorial Day weekend has become the unfortunate kickoff to the 100 deadliest days on Minnesota roads. It’s no wonder public safety officials are strongly encouraging everyone to make smart decisions and avoid drinking and driving. 

For teens who may be celebrating that special milestone of being done with high school, Kim Myers with the Impact Coalition reminds them that they don’t have to use alcohol to have fun and encourages parents to have an honest conversation about drinking with their teens.

The most important advice that Ada Police Chief Jody Bueng has to offer is to not get behind the wheel of a car if you have been drinking. While it may be uncomfortable to pick up the phone and ask someone for a ride, it beats the alternative of having to make a phone call from jail or the police calling to notify your family of a tragedy.

167 people were killed on Minnesota roadways last summer, which made it the deadliest summer on Minnesota roads since 2007. Driver behaviors continue to play a significant role in motor vehicle crashes with speed, distraction, lack of seat belt use and drunk driving the top contributing factors in Minnesota road fatalities. Of those 167 fatalities last year, alcohol played a factor in 48 of them. 

Plan ahead before you go out by designating a sober driver, and if you see a person who has had too much to drink, speak up and find them a safe ride home.