3/15/13 - Local motorists are being advised to avoid testing out the luck of the Irish and instead count on a sober driver as we head into the St. Patrickâs holiday weekend, March madness basketball tournaments and both high school and college spring break seasons. A five year review of crash data indicates both alcohol use and the lack of seat belts play a significant role in fatal and serious injury crashes in March and early April. Thatâs why law enforcement agencies across the state and in Livingston County will be conducting stepped up patrols. The Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning is coordinating the effort to help deter crashes, especially ones that involve alcohol. Communications Manager Anne Readett tells WHMI they want to encourage people to be safe and responsible whether itâs finding a designated driver, calling a cab or spending the night somewhere. 2,488 people were arrested for drunk driving during the NCAA tournament time period in 2012. Of those, 789 were arrested under the stateâs high blood alcohol content or âsuper drunkâ law of .17% or higher. Local law enforcement agencies and others will be conducting the extra patrols to arrest suspected drunken drivers through April 8th. (JM)
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