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Safety First Newsletter

Safety First newsletter

Safety First Newsletter

We are here to keep people safe and improve the lives of those who live, work and play in Minnesota. Part of that is making sure you have all the information you need to make safe decisions for your loved ones. Safety First brings that information to you every other week along with updates on what we are doing to serve you, the people of Minnesota. 

Use our DWI Dashboard to keep yourself and loved ones safe

A screenshot of the BCA DWI dashboard that has a map of MInnesota with dots for DWI enforcement actions and crashes.

It’s one thing to know that driving while

 impaired (DWI) is dangerous and illegal; it’s another to see the number of crashes and arrests on a map of Minnesota and know each one represents a possible tragedy. 

Our Bureau of Criminal Apprehension (BCA) launched a new version of the DWI Dashboard in October, updating the map-driven tool and making it available to you for the first time. 

  • Tool for everyone: The dashboard gives law enforcement agencies the information they need to put their resources to the best use and allows communities to identify impaired driving hotspots to inform training opportunities and other prevention efforts. 
  • Useful for you: You can use the map to become better informed about the extent of the impaired driving problem in your own community and the dangers it poses for yourself, your loved ones and your neighbors. 
  • By the numbers: There were 2,196 DWI arrests and 255 crashes where a driver was impaired, just in September of this year. The data shows how important it is to make a plan to protect yourself and others on the road. 

Learn more in our DPS blog about the DWI Dashboard

Commissioner's Corner: DVS joins LifeSource to encourage organ donation

Retired Minnesota Viking Ben Williams shares how organ donation saved his life

Our Driver and Vehicle Services (DVS) division joined LifeSource earlier this month to ask more men to sign up to donate their organs. The majority of organ donors sign up through our partnership with the nonprofit. All you need to do is check the box to say yes to organ donation when you first receive or renew your driver’s license and you can help save lives. The decision to donate helped save about 800 lives last year in Minnesota. 

Featured social media: Forensic Science Week

A firefighter runs to put out a vehicle on fire

Minnesota’s first responders selflessly protect and serve our communities. 

From firefighters and law enforcement officers to EMTs and paramedics, these dedicated men and women work tirelessly to keep us safe in times of crisis. They are the first on the scene, running toward danger to help others. They answer the call with a commitment to saving lives. 

Thank you to the first responders who make a difference and help us serve all communities to make Minnesota safe.