Police Across Michigan Increase Patrols For Holiday Weekend: Drive Sober Or Get Pulled Over

DETROIT (WWJ) - Police in Michigan are warning motorists this Labor Day weekend: Drive sober or get pulled over.

Law enforcement agencies across the state are increasing patrols and cracking down on drunk driving.

"This weekend troopers will put special emphasis on dangerous driving behaviors, unbelted motorists and those driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs," Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue, director of the MSP, said in a statement. "The final holiday weekend of the summer is a great time to travel our great state, but please do so safely."

Last year, 12 fatal traffic crashes resulted in 15 deaths over the Labor Day holiday weekend.

In Michigan, a motorist can be arrested for Operating While Intoxicated with a .08 blood alcohol content or higher. A drunk driving conviction is costly and comes with assorted penalties including fines, legal fees, driver responsibility fees, court costs and higher insurance rates.

The official Labor Day weekend began at 6 p.m. Friday and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 5.

Extra patrols are funded by federal grants from the Office of Highway Safety Planning.