Expect to see extra patrols on the road this week to crackdown on impaired driving.
The enforcement period runs from Oct. 18 through Nov. 4.
Hundreds of officers across the state will be on the lookout for impaired drivers, especially in the counties with a high number of fatal crashes that involved drugs or alcohol.
“October is an especially deadly time of year for alcohol and drug related crashes,” said Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP) Director Michael L. Prince. “We want people to enjoy fall activities such as tailgating and Halloween parties in a safe, responsible manner. Motorists are advised to drive sober as officers will be conducting strict, stepped up enforcement to reduce traffic crashes, fatalities, and injuries.”
October has proven to be a deadly month, credited as the third highest month for alcohol-involved fatal crashes in Michigan. Between 2011 and 2016 there were 151 deadly accidents.
October also ranks in the #4 spot for most number of drug-involved fatal crashes during that same time period. The total is 84.
Impaired driving makes up for 45.7% of all traffic fatalities in 2017 in Michigan.
That was an increase from 274 in 2016.
The impaired driving enforcement campaign is supported with federal traffic safety funds provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and coordinated by the OHSP.
