In an 18-day statewide DWI enforcement campaign, eight people were arrested for DWI in Mower County.

Four of those arrests happened inside the Austin city limits and four in the county, according to Police Chief Brian Krueger and Sheriff Terese Amazi.

The campaign, which lasted from Aug. 19 to Sept. 5, resulted in the arrest of 1,787 motorists across Minnesota, according to the Department of Public Safety.

Consequences for a DWI include loss of license for as much as a year, up to $20,000 in legal costs, higher insurance rates, and possible jail time.

As of July 1 this year, all DWI repeat offenders — as well as first-time offenders with an alcohol-concentration limit twice the legal limit — are required to have ignition interlock for at least one year to have driving privileges restored.

“Despite reaching a low point in alcohol-related traffic deaths in 2010, many motorists are failing to consider others’ safety by driving impaired,” said Minnesota State Patrol Lt. Eric Roeske in a news release. “Those who make this poor decision will face serious consequences. Don’t risk it.”

In greater Minnesota — where 77 percent of the alcohol-related traffic deaths in 2010 occurred — Rochester police arrested 38 drivers, followed by Duluth police and Beltrami Sheriff at 22 each.

In Minnesota, one in seven drivers has a DWI on record. Last year, 29,918 motorists were arrested for the offense.

Roeske said Minnesotans should always plan for a safe ride — designate a sober driver, use a cab or public transportation, or stay at the location of the celebration. Motorists can also help stop impaired drivers by calling 911 when they see impaired driving behavior. Witnesses must be prepared to provide location, license plate and observed dangerous behavior.