“There were 1,442 deaths in the state of Minnesota during 2018 due to ‘driving while intoxicated,’” Minnesota National Guard Sergeant Matt Persons told freshman to senior students at Fulda High School on Wednesday.
Sergeant Persons and Sergeant Matt Niessink, both Minnesota National Guard recruits in Marshall, MN, were at the school to help the students understand the dangers and difficulties of driving while impaired.
During their opening statements to the classes, they explained that Minnesota statistics are that almost three people out of every one hundred drive while intoxicated – whether that be from alcohol, drugs, or even while drowsy. The nationwide statistic is 1.2 people in every 100.
Sergeant Persons told the students to expect to spend $17,000 to $20,000 in fines, legal fees, and classes, the very FIRST time they would be stopped for a DWI.
“A DWI stays on your record for ten years, It does not wash away. That means difficulty finding employment, not being able to join the military, financial instabilities, difficult relationships. It’s just not worth it,” Sergeant Persons stated.
He then asked what the students are currently allowed for a blood alcohol level. The question not be a trick question, most students realized immediately that the answer is zero – due to the fact that most are under age.
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