(WWJ) - In a show of unlikely camaraderie on Michigan vs. Ohio State game day, Michigan State Police have teamed up with Ohio State troopers to crack down on unsafe driving as thousands of fans make the trip to and from Columbus and area bars this Saturday.
"If your'e going to the game or hosting a party, your choice of getting behind the wheel impaired can cost a life," troopers said in a joint statement on social media. "Designate a sober driver or make other arrangements to ensure that everyone arrives to their destination."
"Fans don't let fans drive drunk," they both said in unison holding Buckeye and Wolverine helmets respectively.
MSP said tens of thousands of people are arrested every year in Michigan for alcohol-related driving offenses, but holidays and big game days, like Saturday's matchup, tend to be higher times where people make poor choices.
To avoid a drunk driving arrest and the costs associated with such an arrest, MSP recommends the following actions:
• Designate a sober driver before drinking alcohol
• Call a friend, cab, ride service, walk, or take the bus
• Stay overnight
Droves of Michigan fans expected to make the trek to Columbus for "The Game" which is often considered the greatest rivalry in college football.
The Michigan Wolverines (11-0) and Ohio State Buckeyes (11-0) clash as undefeated teams for the first time since 2006 with both with a Big Ten championship and College Football Playoff spot on the line.
MSP warns drivers to make sure they, too, have a game plan to make their trip as safe as possible and they don't also put their lives or anyone else's "on the line."
Costs and consequences of a drunk driving conviction as outline by MSP include:
If BAC is below .17 and this is a first offense:
• Up to $500 fine
• Up to 93 days in jail
• Up to 360 hours of community service
• Up to 180 days license suspension
• 6 points on a driver's license
If BAC is .17 or higher and this is a first offense:
• Up to $700 fine
• Up to 180 days in jail
• Up to 360 hours of community service
• Up to one year license suspension6 points on a driver's license
• Mandatory completion of an alcohol treatment programIgnition interlock use and compliance after 45 days license suspension is required to receive a restricted driver's license.
MSP warned convicted drunk drivers have limited driving privileges, are prohibited from operating a vehicle without an approved and properly installed ignition interlock device and are responsible for all installation and upkeep costs for the device.
"Anyone who refuses a breath test the first time is given an automatic one-year driver's license suspension. For a second refusal within seven years, the suspension is two years," troopers continued.
Convicted drunk drivers are subject to a $1,000 penalty for two consecutive years under the Driver Responsibility Act, for a total of $2,000 in additional costs.
"If you plan on adult beverages during the “The Game” today, make sure you have a plan to get home before you start drinking or smoking if that’s your thing," MSP reiterated. "Two, don’t ever plan on cheering for Ohio."