Crime & Safety

Drunk Driving Patrols Increase for Fourth of July Holiday

State: July and August yield most alcohol-related traffic fatalities.

This story was written by John McKay.

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Drunk drivers' Fourth of July plans could be a dud this year if they decide to hit the road after drinking.

Law enforcement officials from 156 agencies and 26 counties, including here in Wayne County, are putting extra officers on the road beginning Monday, July 1, as part of "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over," a statewide drunk-driving crackdown.

The effort, funded with federal money administered by the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP), runs through July 7. 

The OHSP says alcohol-related traffic fatalities are highest in the months of July and August.

What is considered drunk driving in Michigan?

A blood alcohol content (BAC) test measures the percentage of alcohol present in a person's bloodstream. In Michigan, it is illegal to drive with a BAC of .08 or higher, although motorists can be arrested at any BAC level if an officer feels they are impaired. Under the state's "super drunk"  high BAC law, motorists face enhanced penalties if a first-time arrest is for a .17 BAC or higher.

According to the Virginia Tech Alcohol Abuse Prevention website, every 40 minutes, 0.01 percent of alcohol leaves your system. 

The limit for people under 21 is 0.02. Is it conceivable for someone to blow a 0.01 and still be charged?

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Yes. Law enforecement officers say any alcohol a person consumes will get them charged with underaged drinking if they're under legal drinking age. It's a zero-tolerance policy. 

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