Washtenaw County police agencies plan Labor Day drunken driving crackdown
Police are gearing up to target drunk drivers starting Thursday in Washtenaw County.
The crackdown will last from Thursday through the Labor Day weekend and involves officers from the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office, University of Michigan Public Safety, Pittsfield Township Public Safety, Milan Police, Saline Police and Chelsea Police.
Police warn: If you’re over the limit, you’ll be under arrest.
Last year, 18 alcohol-related traffic crashes occurred during the targeted time frame in Washtenaw County. Of those, eight resulted in serious injuries and one resulted in a death, sheriff's officials said.
The effort will include 200 hours of enforcement and ends Sept. 6. It is paid for by the federal traffic safety funds administrated by the state Office of Highway Safety Planning.
Agencies across the state will be participating in similar efforts, which will be accompanied by TV and radio ads that start today, according to the Michigan State Police. The advertising campaign specifically targets young men, based on focus group findings that indicate men ages 21 to 34 are most concerned with the monetary consequences of a drunken driving arrest and conviction, officials said.
In Michigan, a motorist can be arrested for drunken driving with a .08 blood alcohol content or higher. A conviction for driving while intoxicated carries an assortment of penalties, including court costs and fines, increased car insurance rates, legal fees and $2,000 in driver responsibilities fees.
"A drunk driving arrest is a costly proposition," state Office of Highway Safety Planning Director Michael L. Prince said in a release. "But doesn't compare to the deaths and injuries caused by drunk drivers each year. If you drive drunk, you will be arrested. No warnings. No second chances."
Police say those planning to drink need to have a plan - designate a sober driver or call a cab.
See the ad:
Comments
Ricebrnr
Fri, Aug 20, 2010 : 6:23 a.m.
First of all public breathalyzers, ewww! You want to drink in public? I think you should need a license for it and you should be required to buy and register a PERSONAL breathalyzer that will timestamp and record results. How about that. For personal responsibility and accountability?
stunhsif
Thu, Aug 19, 2010 : 9:27 p.m.
It is all about the money folks. Retail food establishments with an alcohol license make big bucks, the state makes big bucks off their taxes and fees and the cops/cities/lawyers(on both sides) make big money off the folks that don't have "designated drivers" and get busted for driving home impaired or drunk. It really is stupid ( especially at bars that are considered "beer and shot joints" ) that we allow folks to get tanked and then bust them for driving home drunk. This tells us all that there truly is a price for ones life. Tax revenues are more important to the state of Michigan than are the lives of its citizens! My opionion is, if you want to drink, drink at home or do a breathalizer at every bar restaurant before you leave.
Polecat
Thu, Aug 19, 2010 : 12:53 p.m.
So who will be watching for the drunken cops? They never bust each other and are some of the biggest offenders.
Lokalisierung
Thu, Aug 19, 2010 : 12:17 p.m.
"There are many other options our community could consider if they REALLY wanted to stop drunk driving. The reasons why they don't will always be a mystery to me." It's not a mystery, it's called money.
Ricebrnr
Thu, Aug 19, 2010 : 11:32 a.m.
Why so silly that's the usual knee jerk reaction isn't it. Take away the tools that facilitate the crime? Ok ok, Take both away from everybody, so these can't happen ever again. Gotta be egalitarian, right? Think of all the lives that will be saved from this alchohol and car violence! Especially the children!
Lokalisierung
Thu, Aug 19, 2010 : 11:22 a.m.
That's silly. Taking away licenses isn't going to eliminate drunk driving at all. Still don't understand the statement.
Ricebrnr
Thu, Aug 19, 2010 : 9:13 a.m.
Because it would be MORE of a revenue scheme if it were not announced. Announcing it however bring in the concept of force multiplication, which increases effectiveness (less drunks driving around) and therefore decreases revenue.
Rasputin
Thu, Aug 19, 2010 : 8:26 a.m.
Why announce it? Why not just crack down?
interested
Thu, Aug 19, 2010 : 8 a.m.
Communities could take much more initiative in stopping drunk driving. Sure one could have a d.d. or take a cab but there needs to be more. If our community was really invested in ending the practice of people driving home under the influence, why don't they have free or reduced transport home when intoxicated? Or they can have programs where people with small bikes/scooters can drive drunk people home in their own cars, and the d.d can ride his scooter back into town to safely take home the next person (this is done in Europe). Our community can shuttle home the drunk people in smaller buses or vans. There are many other options our community could consider if they REALLY wanted to stop drunk driving. The reasons why they don't will always be a mystery to me.
Ricebrnr
Thu, Aug 19, 2010 : 5:59 a.m.
Prohibition again for one? Ok ok how about a zero tolerance, take away licenses and confiscate vehicles policy?
Lokalisierung
Wed, Aug 18, 2010 : 6:59 p.m.
"A true money maker! Kudos Washtenaw County. If you really wanted to stop this you could. But that's not cost effective, is it?" How could they stop it?
stonecutter1
Wed, Aug 18, 2010 : 6:25 p.m.
A true money maker! Kudos Washtenaw County. If you really wanted to stop this you could. But that's not cost effective, is it?