Last year 12 people were killed in traffic crashes in Michigan during the Halloween holiday, Oct. 30 - Nov. 2; four of those crashes involved alcohol.

Over 60 law enforcement agencies in 14 counties have chosen to participate and accept federal overtime funding from the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP) to step up drunken driving patrols between Oct. 30 and Nov. 2.

Nearly $115,000 in federal overtime grant funding will go to Allegan, Ionia, Isabella, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kent, Lapeer, Livingston, Ottawa, Saginaw, St. Clair, St. Joseph, Van Buren and Wayne counties during the enforcement period.

"Over the past five years there have been 172 alcohol-related crashes on Halloween. We know people will go out and celebrate, but we want to make party-goers aware that if they choose to drive drunk they will be arrested," said Michael L. Prince, OHSP director.  "The goal is not to make as many arrests as possible, but to raise awareness and prevent alcohol-related crashes."

OHSP also offers these tips for a safer Halloween weekend:

• Designate a sober driver before you begin celebrating.
• Don't get behind the wheel if you've been drinking.
• Take the keys and never let a friend drive while drunk.
• If impaired, call a taxi, use mass transit or call a sober friend to come get you.
• Stay where you are and sleep it off until you are sober.
• If you're hosting a party, make sure guests have a safe ride home.

OHSP administers funds for drunk driving and safety belt enforcement throughout the year to agencies in 55 counties that cover 96 percent of Michigan's population.  Each county determines when to schedule patrols based on crash data, officer availability and unique local needs.  For a list of planned Halloween patrol dates, times and locations, please visit http://www.michigan.gov/ohsp or click on the related document below.