Minn. Crackdown on DWI Drivers Nets 2,270 Tickets

A statewide crackdown on people driving while intoxicated resulted in at least 2,270 arrests, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety reported.

More than 400 agencies across the state participated in the department’s “Safe and Sober” campaign from Aug. 17 to Sept. 3. Preliminary arrest totals had been received by 317 of the participating agencies by late this week.

Authorities statewide cited nearly 42,000 motorists for drunken driving in 2006, a record high for arrests, the Department of Public Safety said. Drunken driving was responsible for 166 deaths on Minnesota roads last year, the department said.