News, Culture and NPR for Central & Northern Michigan
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
91.7FM Alpena and WCML-TV Channel 6 Alpena are off the air. Click here to learn more.

Michigan State Police steps up DUI, seat belt enforcement over holiday weekend

DOGULOVE / FLICKR

The Michigan State Police is stepping up patrols on raods and highways over the Independence Day weekend.

Police will be watching for impaired and reckless drivers and those not wearing their seat belt. 

It’s illegal to drive with a blood alcohol level of .08 or higher, but Sergeant Rene Gonzalez says drivers can still be arrested below that level if an officer determines the person is impaired.

“We suggest if you’ve had a few drinks, you’re probably going to want to get a ride home,” Gonzalez says.  “Get a ride, order an Uber up, or stay wherever you’re at.”

Gonzalez says there’s no particular hot spots that see the most drunk driving arrests. 

He notes the MSP saw a drop in arrests in 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic. 

Those levels could increase again as more drivers become vaccinated and traffic volumes return.