Local law enforcement agencies want St. Patrick’s Day celebrants to first plan for a sober ride home and buckle their seat belts to avoid what historically is a deadly day on the road.

Statewide on St. Patrick’s Day, from 2007-09, alcohol-related crashes accounted for four of seven traffic deaths.

During that same time period, 909 drivers were arrested for DWI.

“Before you start celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, designate a sober driver and have a plan for a safe ride,” said Albert Lea police Lt. J.D. Carlson “Drunk drivers are an ongoing problem on Albert Lea/Freeborn County roads.”

During 2007-09 in Freeborn County, alcohol-related crashes killed five motorists and seriously injured another eight. During that same time period, 542 motorists were arrested for DWI in Freeborn County. During the St. Patrick’s Day holiday 2010, the Albert Lea Police Department arrested two for suspicion of driving while intoxicated.

The extra DWI enforcement is a component of the state’s core traffic safety initiative, Toward Zero Deaths. A primary vision of the program is to sculpt a safe driving culture in Minnesota in which motorists support a goal of zero road fatalities by practicing and promoting safe and smart driving behavior.