As the Labor Day holiday weekend approaches, local and state law enforcement agencies are reminding motorists not to drink and drive.
A three-week holiday weekend enforcement effort is underway. Called the ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ campaign, it runs through Monday, Sept. 2. Police departments, sheriff’s offices and the Michigan State Police encourage motorists to celebrate the end of summer safely and make smart driving decisions. According to a press release from the Michigan State Police, law enforcement will continue to show zero tolerance for drunk and drugged driving the enforcement period. The campaign aims at increasing both reminders and enforcement about the dangers of driving impaired.
Throughout the end of the summer enforcement period, the MSP press release says, officers will be on the lookout for motorists under the influence of drugs and alcohol. In Michigan, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher, although motorists can be arrested at any BAC level if an officer believes they are impaired. Michigan has what is commonly referred to as a zero-tolerance drugged driving law.
In Michigan, the percentage of alcohol-related fatalities was approximately 11 times higher than fatalities in all crashes and the serious injury level was about six times higher. During last year’s Labor Day holiday, there were 12 fatal crashes, with six crashes involving alcohol.
According to the MSP, a DUI can, on average, cost $10,000 in attorney fees, fines, court costs, lost time at work, higher insurance rates, car towing and repairs, etc. There’s also the risk of injuring and/or killing innocent bystanders or oneself.
Wrap up the summer safely and with a smile. Remember to ‘Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over’ as the Labor Day holiday weekend draws near.
