Freeborn County deputies issued 23 citations to motorists for not wearing their seat belts during a statewide Safe and Sober enhanced enforcement period between May 24 and June 2.

The special enforcement was set up by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety to reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries during the Memorial Day holiday and graduation period.

After the 10-day campaign, the average seat belt use in the county has increased from 64 percent to 74 percent, according to Deputy Bob Kindler. The state average prior to May 24 was 72 percent.