Highway Safety Reports Drop In Number Of Alcohol Related Traffic Accidents

DETROIT (WWJ) -  Over the holiday period an increased enforcement effort is taking place to keep a sharp eye out for the drinking driver.

WWJ's Rob Sanford reports that the new statistics provide some encouraging news about the number of drunk driving accidents.

The Michigan State Police's Office of Highway Safety Planning reports alcohol related traffic accidents have dropped 38% in the past decade.

That same trend also applies to the Christmas and New Year's eve period. Lynn Suftin of the State Police tells the Detroit News the reasons behind the decrease is the fact that people are making smarter decisions, vehicles have better safety features and roadways have improved.

Also a factor is a more rigorous enforcement of laws that pertain to drinking and driving.