DPS: Labor Day Weekend Averages 6 Traffic Deaths, 500 DWIs

ST. PAUL, Minn. (WCCO) - The Department of Public Safety (DPS) says their "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign will conclude this Labor Day weekend – a holiday period that averages 6 traffic-related deaths and 500 DWIs.

According to the DPS, there were 17 traffic-related deaths, 32 life-altering injuries and almost 1,600 DWI arrests during the Labor Day holiday period from 2010-2012.

In the past five years, there were 585 total drunk-driving-related deaths in Minnesota.

In the past two weekends, there were 780 DWI arrests due to the "Drive Sober" campaign.

Beginning Sunday, a statewide "Move Over" law enforcement effort will be in effect, requiring motorists to move over one full lane away from stopped emergency vehicles when their flashing lights are activated.

So far in 2013, 35 people have been killed - up from 218 at this time last year.