Local law enforcement agencies are cracking down on drunken and impaired drivers during a stepped-up statewide and nationwide DWI enforcement effort, until Sept. 5.

The statewide campaign is coordinated by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety’s Office of Traffic Safety.

On average in Minnesota, 30,000 motorists are arrested for DWI each year — there were 204 arrests in Freeborn County in 2010. During the last three years in the state, 2008–2010, there was an average of 145 alcohol-related deaths and 300 alcohol-related serious injuries. In Freeborn County during this period, there were seven alcohol-related deaths.

The Department of Public Safety reports enhanced DWI enforcement campaigns have factored in the state recording a trend of fewer alcohol-related deaths. Last year, 131 motorists were killed in alcohol-related crashes, the lowest on record since the statistic was first measured in 1984; down from 141 in 2009.

“DWI enforcement is important to stop preventable crashes and their resulting tragedies,” said Albert Lea Police Lt. J.D. Carlson. “Law enforcement will be doing their part to make roads safer, we need everyone else to do the same or they will face very damaging consequences.”

A DWI offense can result in loss of license for up to a year, thousands in costs and possible jail time.

Another new consequence for DWI in Minnesota is use of ignition interlock. First-time Minnesota DWI offenders with a 0.16 and above alcohol-concentration level, and all repeat DWI need to use ignition interlock, or face at least one year without a driver’s license. Interlock is installed under the dashboard of the vehicle and connected to its starter. Users must provide a breath sample into the interlock with an alcohol concentration below 0.02 in order for the vehicle to start.

Law enforcement officers are also encouraging seat belt use during the campaign. Each year 75 percent of drinking drivers killed are also not belted. Minnesota’s primary seat belt law requires drivers and passengers in all seating positions — including the back seat — to be buckled up or in the correct child restraint. Law enforcement will stop and ticket unbelted drivers and passengers.

The enhanced DWI enforcement campaign is a component of the state’s Toward Zero Deaths initiative. A primary vision of the program is to create 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.