Minn. DWI crackdown nets large number of arrests

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety says an 18-day DWI enforcement effort resulted in the arrest of 1,775 motorists.

In all, 332 law enforcement agencies statewide played a role in the crackdown. The period for heightened enforcement was August 20 to September 6.

Last year in Minnesota, there were 141 alcohol-related traffic deaths and serious injuries to another 279 motorists. The Department of Public Safety believes previous DWI crackdowns like the one just ended have been a factor in a downward trend in alcohol-related deaths in recent years.

Consequences for a DWI include loss of a license for up to a year, up to $20,000 in legal costs and heightened insurance rates, and possible jail time.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)