DWI patrols increased in area

ST. PAUL (AP) - After a deadly Memorial Day weekend on Minnesota roads, authorities are stepping up patrols for drunken drivers over the Independence Day holiday.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety says law enforcement will target impaired drivers in 13 counties, including the Twin Cities metro area and in and around St. Cloud, Mankato, Duluth, Faribault, Brainerd and Grand Rapids.

Eight motorists were killed in crashes over last year's July 4 holiday, with alcohol-related crashes accounting for five of the deaths. So far this year, 183 people have died on state roads, including at least 13 in Memorial Day weekend crashes.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says authorities throughout the Midwest are cracking down on impaired drivers over the holiday weekend.