To combat the serious threat of impaired driving on Albert Lea and Freeborn County roads, law enforcement will conduct directed DWI patrols as part of a Minnesota-wide crackdown throughout December.

December is among the deadliest months for alcohol-related crashes and DWI arrests.

The enforcement campaign includes participation from around 400 Minnesota law enforcement agencies, all deploying extra officers to work overtime hours targeting impaired drivers.

A DWI results in loss of license for at least 90 days and cost up to $20,000 when factoring in increased insurance costs, legal and other fees. There are more than half a million Minnesotans with a DWI on record — translating to one in eight Minnesota drivers with a DWI.

“Avoiding a DWI arrest simply comes down to having a plan for a safe and sober ride,” said Lt. J.D. Carlson. “There’s no excuse for driving impaired and putting lives at risk on our roads.”

Each year, alcohol-related crashes account for up to 200 traffic deaths and nearly 400 serious injuries. These crashes and fatalities have been declining in recent years, and law enforcement says enhanced DWI enforcement campaigns have been a major factor in Minnesota’s continuing trend of lower alcohol-related traffic deaths.

In 2008 there were 163 alcohol-related deaths — a record low — and two in Freeborn County. Drinking and driving crashes still account for more than one-third of all traffic deaths annually.

Law enforcement says a major factor for a large percentage of alcohol-related deaths is seat belt use. Each year around 75 percent of the impaired drivers killed in crashes are also not belted.

According to Carlson, the state’s primary seat belt law will help officers stop impaired drivers before they do harm to others or themselves.

During 2006-08 in Freeborn County, there were four alcohol-related deaths. Statewide, there were 394 alcohol-related deaths of which 256 were unbelted.