Stearns County is participating in an increase enforcement for Driving While Intoxicated during Halloween.

The Minnesota Department of Public Safety says they have received federal funding for heightened D-W-I enforcement, which started in October and continues until September 2015.

Reports from the DPS show Stearns County is rated as the 6th out of 25 counties where increased DWI related accidents occur during Halloween. A total of 62 percent of impaired-related traffic deaths and 69 percent of alcohol-related serious injuries occurred in Minnesota during the last three years.

Minnesota State Patrol Sergeant Jesse Grabow says it is all about choices and one poor choice can result in jail time, a lost driver’s license and other consequences.

Alcohol related accidents are defined as following:

• Any evidence of alcohol detected in a driver, pedestrian or bicyclist.

• Any driver, pedestrian or bicyclist with a blood alcohol concentration of .08 or above.

Pedestrians are encouraged to be aware of moving traffic, cross streets only at intersections or marked crosswalks, carry flashlights and wear reflective clothing. They should be cautious while crossing roads as intoxicated drivers are distracted.