Bismarck, ND – As many people in the region were celebrating the arrival of the new year, law enforcement agencies were busy ensuring the roads remained safe for all travelers. The North Dakota Highway Patrol (NDHP) in Minot had a particularly active night, with troopers working hard to keep impaired drivers off the road and reduce the risk of accidents.
Sgt. Michael Brown of the NDHP’s Minot Northwest Region shared that, from New Year’s Eve through the early morning hours of January 1, highway patrol troopers issued five citations for driving under the influence (DUI). These efforts were part of the NDHP’s ongoing commitment to safeguarding the public during a time when impaired driving is more common.
“Our troopers are out there working very hard locating and removing impaired drivers,” said Sgt. Brown. “We also focus on identifying other traffic violations, like right-of-way violations and speeding, which can lead to serious accidents.”
Throughout the state, troopers handled a total of 25 calls for service, which were primarily reports of reckless or possible drunk drivers. Many of these calls came from community members who were concerned about dangerous drivers in their area. In total, law enforcement statewide responded to two property crashes, which occurred early in the morning in the Fargo and Valley City areas.
While some troopers focused on general patrol duties, others were involved in specialized DUI enforcement operations. In the northwest region, including the areas between Minot and Williston, troopers participated in a DUI enforcement saturation program called “Don’t Shatter the Dream,” aimed at reducing impaired driving on tribal lands. This initiative, which ran for several weeks, culminated in additional patrol efforts on New Year’s Eve.
“We had a couple of troopers involved in the ‘Don’t Shatter the Dream’ detail,” Sgt. Brown explained. “It’s a valuable program that helps reinforce our message about the dangers of impaired driving, especially during the holidays.”
The NDHP’s focused efforts during the holiday season highlight the importance of road safety and the ongoing vigilance of law enforcement officers in ensuring that the roads remain safe for all. As the new year began, troopers continued to work around the clock to protect the community and prevent dangerous driving behaviors.
