Police Step Up Drunk Driving Patrols Ahead Of Labor Day

ROSEVILLE (WWJ/AP) - Law enforcement officials in 40 Michigan counties are kicking off a new enforcement campaign aimed at curbing drunken driving.

The "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign starts Friday and runs through Sept. 1, including the Labor Day weekend.

During the campaign, law enforcement officers from 150 local police departments, sheriff offices and Michigan State Police posts will conduct stepped up drunk driving and seat belt enforcement.

As part of the effort, officials are introducing the fictitious Traffic Safety Brewing Company, complete with a new summer traffic safety six-pack at bars and restaurants across the state.

The faux brewing company and spoof beverage list -- with items such as "Call A Cab Cider,"  "Designated Driver Dark" and "Left My Keys at Home Lager" --  are safety-themed brews reminding people to drink alcohol responsibly.

"The Traffic Safety Brewing Company beer list may be amusing but the message is serious. Whether you are enjoying a Michigan microbrew or your favorite wine or spirit, make the right choices about getting home safely because law enforcement officers are experts at stopping and arresting drunk drivers," Michael Prince, director of the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning, said in a statement.

Participating counties include: Alpena, Antrim, Allegan, Berrien, Calhoun, Charlevoix, Chippewa, Cheboygan, Crawford, Delta, Dickinson, Eaton, Emmet, Genesee, Gogebic, Grand Traverse, Houghton, Ingham, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kalkaska, Kent, Leelanau, Livingston, Mackinac, Macomb, Manistee, Marquette, Menominee, Monroe, Muskegon, Oakland, Otsego, Ottawa, Saginaw, St. Clair, Van Buren, Washtenaw, Wayne and Wexford.

During last year's Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over effort, 267 motorists were arrested for drunk driving and 4,119 seat belt and child restraint citations were issued.

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