Michigan State Police are in the process of a drunk driving crackdown.
NEGAUNEE -- Despite a nearly 6% drop in impaired driving-related fatalities last year, alcohol was still involved in 35% of Michigan's traffic fatalities in 2009.
"The cost of drunk driving is very expensive, not only in terms of expenses, but in terms of lives, and injuries that it creates," says Lt. Bob Pernaski of the Michigan State Police. "We're just trying to make the road a safer place for people to travel on."
Michigan State Police will have extra patrols on the roads during the Drunk Driving: Over the Limit, Under Arrest Crackdown happening statewide from August 19th until September 6th.
"There's a zero-tolerance approach on it if you are drinking and driving and stopped, you will be arrested," Pernaski says. "There's no breaks, there's no ride home, it's absolute."
Chippewa, Houghton, and Marquette Counties, as well as 27 counties downstate, will have extra patrols paid for by the OHSP.
"If you're going to consume alcohol during this upcoming holiday, designate a driver. It's not worth the chance, it's not safe, and you will be arrested," Pernaski adds.
Arrested, and charged ... with consequences that could end with imprisonment.
"Drunk driving convictions stay on your record forever, there's no way to get those expunged, they're there forever and so there are employment consequences," attorney George Hyde says.
An initial drunk driving offense usually results in a short suspension, or restrictions, on your license.
But a second offense within seven years, or a third within ten years, could result in license revocation, and a loss of all privileges.
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