By Scott Bolthouse | The Huron Hub
ScottBolthouse@HuronHub.com
Posted Dec. 17, 2019
You know the slogan by now: drive sober or get pulled over.
While the holidays are often fun and busy times for families, friends and coworkers, it is also one of the deadliest times of year for drunk- and drugged-driving fatalities, authorities say.
Law enforcement, in partnership with the Office of Highway Safety Planning, are encouraging safe, sober driving this holiday season.
The national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement campaign runs from Dec. 18 – Jan. 1.
During that time, increased enforcement, along with statewide messages about the dangers of impaired driving, aim to drastically reduce traffic crashes, fatalities, and injuries on the roadways.
“The holidays should be an enjoyable time to spend with loved ones,” said Michael L. Prince, OHSP director. “It’s important for people to drive sober this holiday season – and every day. If you’re impaired by any substance, you shouldn’t drive.”
To reinforce this message, OHSP aired a new ad titled “Toe Tags” emphasizing the dangers of drugged driving.
In 2018, one person was killed every 50 minutes by a drunk driver on our nation’s roads, according to the Office of Highway Safety Planning.
In Michigan, of the 905 fatal crashes in 2018, 31.7 percent involved alcohol.
During last year’s Christmas holiday, there were 13 fatal crashes, with nine crashes involving alcohol.
Over the New Year’s holiday last year, there were nine fatal crashes, with one crash involving alcohol.
Officers during this campaign will be on the look-out for motorists under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Impairment of any kind while driving is illegal.
If a person chooses to drive while impaired, they can be arrested for a DUI and could face jail time and hefty fines.
