WXYZ DETROIT — Drive sober or get pulled over! That's true all year long but the Michigan State Police are beefing up patrols now through the Labor Day. And it's for a good reason!
These last few weeks of summer vacation should be some of the best days yet. It's a time for families and friends to cookout, enjoy top entertainment venues, go to the beach, and squeeze in those final trips to the amusement parks. But history has shown us that vehicle accidents increase around this summer holiday period. Last year in Michigan, there were 12 deadly crashes, six involving alcohol.
With this awareness campaign, MSP want all motorists to know that they will have a zero-tolerance policy for impaired driving. That includes dunk or drugged driving. Patrols will be significantly increased on several roads throughout the state. It is illegal to operate a car, truck or motorcycle with a blood concentration rate of .08 or higher. But under the law, motorists can be arrested at any blood alcohol level, if an officer believes the person if driving impaired. That's also increasingly important to remember in a state where it is now legal to use marijuana.
If you haven't seen it already, drivers would be wise to familiarize themselves with the new campaign public service announcement. You can go to our wxyz.com web site to view it. It's a sobering reminder of what first responders go through when they respond to these alcohol or drug related crashes. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V64xF3viMWE
Summer doesn't officially end until September 23 but these next few weeks are crucial for safe driving. Be wise, make the most of these long days, warm temperatures and fun-filled activities. You owe it to yourself and everyone else on the road.
I'm Mike Murri, V.P. & General Manager
Broadcast: August 15 - 18, 2019
