(WWJ) Expect to see more police on the roads in Metro Detroit and statewide starting today, through the end of the year.
A drunk driving crackdown kicked off Friday as part of the annual "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign in Michigan.
"To protect lives," law enforcement officials throughout the state will increase patrols from December 11, 2020 to January 1, 2021, with "zero tolerance" for those who drive impaired, according to the Office of Highway Safety Planning.
"It's pretty simple really," the Michigan State Police Metro North Post tweeted on Friday. "Don't get behind the wheel after drinking or using drugs. Think about others using the road and your passengers. Think of the damage its going to do to your wallet. Please don't drive impaired."
According to the 2019 Michigan Annual Drunk Driving Audit by the Michigan State Police, just under 42% of all fatal crashes that occurred involved alcohol, drugs, or both.
State statistics show there were about 9,800 crashes last year involving drunken drivers, and 295 people died in those crashes.
Zooming in on the holiday season, the National Association of Drug Court Professionals recognizes December as one of the most dangerous months because of an increase in impaired driving.
"Drunk driving is deadly and illegal. Getting behind the wheel of a vehicle after you've been drinking endangers you, your passengers, and everyone else on the road," said Michael Prince, director of OHSP, which overseas the program. "Even if your travel plans are different this year, and you're just making short trips near home, always drive sober."
Federal funds will be used to pay for the extra patrols.
