December 11, 2025
The holiday season is one of the most dangerous times of year for impaired-driving crashes.
To address the issue, police agencies across Michigan will participate in the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” enforcement campaign, running from December 12, 2025, through January 1, 2026, with zero tolerance for impaired driving.
From 2020 to 2024, a total of 19 people were killed in motor vehicle traffic crashes in Michigan during the Christmas holiday periods, according to the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute. Nine of those killed (47.4 percent) were in crashes involving alcohol and/or drug impairment.
“With family gatherings, office parties and festive events, alcohol consumption increases, and so does the risk of impaired driving,” said Alicia Sledge, director of the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP). “Driving while being impaired by alcohol or drugs not only puts you at risk but also endangers other drivers, passengers and pedestrians.”
Other relevant 2024 Michigan crash data:
• Of the 1,012 fatal crashes that occurred in Michigan, 276 (27.3 percent) were alcohol-involved and 246 (24.3 percent) were drug-involved.
• Roadway fatalities totaled 1,099, with 307 (27.9 percent) of those deaths being alcohol-involved and 272 (24.7 percent) drug-involved.
The Michigan State Police, county sheriff offices and municipal police departments across Michigan are encouraging motorists to celebrate safely and make smart driving decisions. During the nearly three-week campaign, there will be increased enforcement and messaging about the dangers of driving impaired.
Officers will be on the lookout for motorists under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs throughout the “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” enforcement period. In Michigan, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher, although motorists can be arrested at any BAC level if an officer thinks they are impaired.
“The aim of the enforcement campaign is to drastically reduce deaths and serious injuries caused by impaired driving,” Sledge said. “We want all Michiganders to have a great time over the holidays, but to keep everyone safe, we are also urging people to be responsible, make smart choices and plan for a sober ride home.”
To increase awareness and encourage safe and sober driving, the OHSP is funding a statewide media campaign about the dangers of impaired driving. Also, December is National Impaired Driving Prevention Month, which was established in 1981 to remind people that helping prevent impaired-driving crashes is every driver’s responsibility.
The enforcement campaign is supported by federal traffic safety funds provided by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and coordinated by the OHSP.
To learn more, visit the OHSP impaired-driving webpage.
