45 Drunk Drivers Arrested during Super Bowl Weekend; Agencies in 20 Counties Conducted Three-Day Enforcement Blitz

Contact: Lynn Sutfin, OHSP, (517) 241-1513

Agency: State Police

Issued: Feb. 15, 2013

Law enforcement agencies in 20 counties arrested 45 drunk drivers during a Super Bowl weekend drunk driving crackdown. This includes 11 drivers arrested for a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .17 or higher under Michigan's High BAC Law.

Sixty-five law enforcement agencies in Allegan, Berrien, Calhoun, Chippewa, Genesee, Houghton, Ingham, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kent, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, Ottawa, Saginaw, St. Clair, Van Buren, Washtenaw and Wayne participated in the three-day crackdown.

The Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP) coordinated the effort which was supported by federal traffic safety funds.

"Michigan law enforcement officers don't play games when it comes to drunk drivers," said Michael L. Prince, OHSP director. "Forty-five motorists found this out when they made the poor decision to drive drunk over Super Bowl weekend and are now dealing with the consequences."

Officers made 1,318 traffic stops during which they issued 47 seat belt and child restraint citations, 97 speeding tickets and 302 tickets for other traffic violations. In addition, 28 fugitives were arrested and 94 uninsured motorists were cited. Officers also made 26 drug arrests and cited 20 individuals for other alcohol violations.