State police and more than 240 local police departments today start a three-week crackdown on drunken drivers.

State and local police will conduct seven sobriety checkpoints during "Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest," which runs today through Wednesday, Sept. 3.

State police also will deploy 210 extra patrols.

The state Executive Office of Public Safety and Security has provided $1,150,000 in federal grant funding for this initiative for both enforcement and a public education campaign. In announcing the program Tuesday, state police offered six travel tips:

Drive sober and well-rested. Obey speed limits and allow extra time for unexpected traffic and weather conditions.

If celebration plans involve alcoholic beverages, designate a sober driver before heading out or plan to use mass transit.

Never accept a ride with an impaired driver. Report impaired drivers by dialing 911.

Make sure everyone is properly buckled up - it's the best defense against a drunken, speeding or aggressive driver.

State police are urging anyone hosting Labor Day parties to consider having ample non-alcoholic drinks available, not serve alcohol to anyone under age 21, and prevent impaired guests from getting behind the wheel.

More information is available at www.mass.gov/highwaysafety.