The police departments in Owatonna and Blooming Prairie, plus the Steele County Sheriff's Office, are part of the extra patrols against impaired driving through Labor Day.

As summer winds down, more than 300 law enforcement agencies across Minnesota are participating in the extra DWI enforcement campaign through Labor Day. According to a news release sent to KRFO radio, 24 percent of fatal crashes in Minnesota during the Labor Day holiday were the result of drunk driving over the past five years. August has also been the worst month for DWI infractions over that same period. On a positive note, the number of DWI arrests has dropped by 40 percent over the past 10 years.

Steele County Sheriff's Office Deputy Kari Woltman says, "Make just one poor choice by driving drunk and your life or the life of an innocent victim could be changed forever. We want Minnesotans to have a good time but also stay safe. Celebrate but have a plan for yourself and others before anybody gets behind the wheel."

Consequences of a drunk driving arrest include possible jail time, thousands of dollars in fines and loss of your driver's license. Repeat offenders face stiffer penalties.

Officials advise people to plan for a safe ride, offer to be a designated driver, report drunk driving and wear their seat belt.

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