Cops cracking down on DWI enforcement through Labor Day weekend

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Washington County Law Enforcement agencies have been cracking down on impaired drivers as part of a statewide DWI enforcement effort that runs through Sept. 7.

The effort is coordinated by the Minnesota Department of Public Safety.

About 400 law enforcement agencies across the state will participate in the effort aimed toward taking impaired drivers off the road and encouraging motorists to make safe decisions.

Officers and Deputies will combine DWI patrols with seat belt enforcement — as of June 9, Minnesota has a primary seat belt law that requires drivers and passengers in all seating positions — including the back seat — to be buckled up or in the correct child restraint. Law enforcement can stop motorists solely for seat belt violations, including unbelted passengers.

The Department of Public Safety reports enhanced DWI enforcement campaigns factored in the state tallying a record-low number of alcohol-related deaths in 2008. Last year, 163 motorists were killed in alcohol-related crashes — 1 in Washington County.

Despite the drop in deaths, DPS reports alcohol-related crashes still accounted for more than one-third of all deaths — typical for each year.

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