Law enforcement agencies around the state will increase their presence this weekend to crack down on impaired drivers, an effort coordinated by Department of Public Safety Office of Traffic Safety.

The DWI enforcement period bookends a week that included the state reaching 300 crash deaths for 2013.

The preliminary count of 300 traffic deaths is about at the same pace as the 303 that occurred at this time in 2012. DPS projects around 395 deaths by the end of this year — the same total as last year.

Seven people died, and 27 others were seriously injured in drunk driving crashes during Halloween party weekends from 2008 through 2012. Law enforcement arrested 2,484 motorists for DWI during that same five-year period.

“Impaired driving typically rears its ugly head during the Halloween party period, which creates a dangerous environment on our roads and highways,” said Jody Oscarson, DPS Office of Traffic Safety impaired driving program coordinator. “Before you put on your costume and head out for the night, make sure you have a plan in place for a sober way home to avoid the dangers and consequences of driving drunk.”

 Minnesota Drunk Driving Facts

—104 people were killed in drunk driving crashes in 2012.

—2,644 people suffered injuries in alcohol-related crashes in 2012.

—28,418 people were arrested for DWI in 2012 — the average alcohol-concentration was 0.154.