Drunk Driving Patrols To Increase Over Holiday WeekendDrunk Driving Patrols To Increase Over Holiday Weekend

11/27/13 - Local law enforcement officers are urging residents to be safe when traveling over the Thanksgiving holiday. Both the sheriff’s department and the Michigan State Police are planning increased patrols this weekend to be on the lookout for drunk drivers. The days surrounding Thanksgiving tend have some of the highest rates of drunk driving of the entire year, and the increased patrols are an annual effort by law enforcement to keep it at a minimum. Sheriff Bob Bezotte tells WHMI his department is putting out the patrols without any extra funding from the state. Every year his officers arrest about half a dozen drunk drivers during the increased enforcement, but he says just letting residents know about the patrols is meant to be a deterrent against driving while intoxicated. Bezotte also cautions drivers to be cautious in the event of snow or ice while they travel. During the first real snowfall of the season on Saturday, 30 accidents occurred around the county. Drivers should give themselves extra time to reach their destinations and slow down during slippery conditions. (TD)