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GLADSTONE -- It's almost time to welcome in 2012, and some people choose to celebrate by having an alcoholic beverage.

Michigan State Police are cautioning people that they will be on the lookout for those who choose to drink and drive. The drunk driving standard in the state of Michigan is a blood-alcohol level of .08. 

There are those who admit to getting behind the wheel when they shouldn't have.

“It's been years since I was probably over the legal limit and have gotten behind the wheel,” said Escanaba resident, Devin Reynolds. “I have had a beer or two before taking a drive."

Authorities said they take drunk driving very seriously.

This holiday season, Michigan State Police will be on high alert. In fact, they're going to have direct patrols so they can spot those who are getting behind the wheel after they've had too much to drink.

Does all this added police presence work?

“I believe it does,” explains Michigan State Police Trooper Shawn Reynolds. “I believe if someone's thinking about going out and driving under the influence and they see the patrol car, I believe they're going to have second thoughts about doing so."    

How do other people plan on avoiding a run-in with the cops and having to take a breathalyzer test?

“I will be having a couple of adult beverages, but I will not be getting behind the wheel," Reynolds said.

According to police, if you're stopped and convicted of a first offense drunk driving, the penalty is a 93-day misdemeanor. A second offense is a one year misdemeanor, and a third offense is a felony.