Local law enforcement agencies will be out in full force starting August 17th in the annual Labor Day Safe and Sober campaign.
                    
Stepped up DWI patrols will continue through September 3rd.  The patrols will include police departments in Winona, Goodview, Lewiston and St. Charles, along with the Winona County Sheriff's Department, and the Minnesota State Patrol.
                    
Each year, in Minnesota, nearly 30,000 motorists are arrested for DWI...there were 32 arrests in Winona County in 2011.  Winona County had three deaths resulting from drunk driving from 2009 through 2011.
                    
Sheriff Dave Brand says drunk driving is a deadly problem that continues to haunt the county's highways. The added patrols aim to remind motorists to avoid the risk and dangers of driving drunk, and motorists should plan ahead for a sober ride.