Extra Officers on Duty to Discourage Impaired Driving

Law enforcement officers in communities in 26 counties, including Shelby Township and Utica, will put in some extra time targeting impaired drivers during the holiday season.

The added enforcement is part of the holiday Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest. crackdown being funded with federal traffic safety grants administered by the Office of Highway Safety Planning.

In Shelby Township, extra officers will be on duty Dec. 23 and 30. In Utica, extra officers will begin patrolling Dec. 23, 31 and Jan. 1. 

Utica Police Chief Dave Faber said the grant helped put extra drunk driving patrol officers on the streets last week, which resulted in six drunken driving arrests.

Those who plan to drink are always encouraged to designate a sober driver before consuming any alcohol or take a cab or spend the night where they are. After all, you don't want to blow your holiday season budget on a DUI offense, which can adding up to more than $15,000, according to the Michigan State Police.

"The inconvenience of a drunk driving arrest doesn't end with a trip to jail," OHSP Director Michael L. Prince said in a release. "When factoring in court costs, legal fees, bail, towing, license fees and increased insurance, a drunk driving arrest is a very expensive situation."

Out of the 11 people who were killed over last year's Christmas and New Year's holidays in crashes on Michigan roadways, four were alcohol-fueled incidents, according to the OHSP.

To see a complete list of participating communities, visit the OHSP website.