Michigan law enforcement officers made more than 3,700 traffic stops and arrested 126 drunk drivers during the Fourth of July Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest.crackdown July 1-8. This included 23 arrests under the state’s high blood alcohol content law (.17 or higher), while an additional 30 motorists were arrested for drug-related offenses.
According to the Michgan State Police, publicity about the enforcement effort included talking urinal cakes placed in 200 Michigan Licensed Beverage Association bar and restaurant restrooms to encourage and remind patrons to call a cab or a friend to get home safely. The unique devices inspired media outlets nationally and across the world to discuss the importance of designating a sober driver.
“Whether it’s an officer making an arrest or a conversation generated by an unconventional restroom reminder, removing impaired drivers from the roads saves lives,” said Michael L. Prince, director of the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP). “Efforts like this crackdown help make our communities safer and prevent a tragic loss of life.”
Preliminary reports indicate three people were killed in three separate crashes during this year’s Fourth of July holiday period. Alcohol does not appear to be a factor in any of the crashes. Eight people were killed in traffic crashes in Michigan during last year’s holiday period; of those, three were alcohol-related.
Officers in 26 counties took part in the crackdown which was coordinated by OHSP and funded by federal traffic safety dollars. A similar crackdown in 2011 involved officers in 35 counties and resulted in 218 drunk driving arrests.
The grant-funded traffic enforcement also resulted in the apprehension of 130 fugitives. More than 120 seat belt and child seat violation tickets, 307 speeding tickets and 925 other traffic violation citations were also written.