Local Law Enforcement to Continue Stepped Up Patrols Over Labor Day Weekend

Local, county and state law enforcement agencies will be on patrol this weekend looking for drunk drivers and conducting safety belt enforcement zones.

The effort is part of the on-going "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" crackdown funded through federal traffic safety funds and coordinated by the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning.

"We are going to increase patrols and put deputies out there to help reduce the drunk driving on Macomb County roads," said Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham. "This isn't going to stop on Labor Day."

This year, the crackdown focuses on drivers who consider themselves "professionals" and feel they were better drivers when drunk, according to law enforcement officials.

Officers reported that drunk drivers attempt to avoid police through a number of tactics including taking side streets , or driving in certain lanes, in a "game" to elude police.

"What they don't relaize is while they are diong this great job they see in their head, what we are actually seeing is them swerve in their lanes, driving to slow, not having their headlights on," said Michigan State Police Lt. Michael A. Shaw. "If you are out there drinking and driving, we will catch you. We are better at the game than they are."