The Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP) is providing federal funding to 19 counties to increase impaired driving patrols during Super Bowl XLIII. Football fans planning to watch the big game at parties or sports bars are encouraged to designate a sober driver before kick-off.

"Michigan law enforcement don't play games when it comes to drunk drivers," OHSP director Michael L. Prince said. "If you are caught driving drunk, you will be arrested. Make the right call and pass the keys to a sober driver."

During last year's Super Bowl Sunday, 232 people were arrested in Michigan for drunk driving, according to the Michigan State Police, Criminal Justice Information Center. There were two fatal crashes, both of which involved alcohol.

Counties receiving federal funds for increased patrols include: Barry, Cass, Genesee, Ionia, Isabella, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kent, Lapeer, Livingston, Macomb, Mason, Midland, Oakland, Oceana, Ottawa, St. Joseph, Van Buren and Wayne.

For a list of planned patrol dates, times and locations, please visit www.michigan.gov/ohsp.

    Some tips for hosting a Super Bowl party:     

• Make sure guests designate their sober drivers before kick-off. 
• Stop serving alcohol at the end of the third quarter and offer plenty of non-alcoholic beverage options.

    If attending a Super Bowl party or watching the game at a bar or restaurant:     

• Designate a sober driver before the party begins.
• Program numbers for local cab companies in your cell phone.     
• Always buckle up - it's your best defense against impaired drivers.