Michigan has a problem with drunk driving – and the Michigan State Police and other law enforcement agencies are aiming to put a stop to it this holiday season.
Once again, the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign has begun, running from Dec. 17, 2021, through Jan. 1, 2022. Drivers can expect to see a pronounced increase in the number of patrol cars out there on the roads throughout this period, and police officers will be looking for any sign that someone is driving while impaired.
Why the aggressive push against drunk driving right now?
The reason for the ramped-up enforcement is twofold:
- First, the holiday season is notoriously boozy, which tends to cause a spike in the number of drunk driving incidents nationwide.
- Second, an audit of the state’s 2019 accident records indicates that 41.9% of all fatal wrecks involved some form of intoxication.
What kinds of things will the police be looking for when they’re patrolling? It may include things like:
- Cars that are traveling slower than average, especially late at night
- Vehicles that are accelerating and decelerating irregularly for no visible reason
- Drivers who seem to be gripping the steering wheel tightly and peering hard ahead
- Drivers who seem like they may be falling asleep behind the wheel
- Tailgaiting, crossing the yellow line, hitting curbs and other irregular driving
Spending Christmas or New Year’s Day in jail would not be fun, but that’s exactly what could happen if you’re arrested on a DUI charge – so don’t drink and drive. You have other options – and calling an Uber or Lyft is definitely cheaper than a drunk driving conviction.
However, if you make a mistake, remember this: You do have rights. Exercise your right to remain silent until you have carefully explored all your defense options.
