More Police Watching for Drunk Drivers During Holidays

Heading to a holiday party?

If you’re drinking alcohol, local law enforcement agencies advise against driving home.

The , Pittsfield Department of Public Safety and Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office are employing more officers on the road to keep the streets free of impaired drivers.

The extra enforcement has been taking place since Dec. 16 and continues until Jan. 2. The Office of Highway Safety Planning is funding more than 200 hours of extra enforcement in the county.

In Saline, that means there will be extra enforcement in and around the city, according to Sgt. Jay Basso.

“Normally we have two officers on duty from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. With the extra enforcement, we’ll have four officers on duty,” Basso said.

Saline typically has two cruisers on the road during those times. The grant funds two more officers who will work in a cruiser that works outside of town. In addition, Saline’s officers have been deputized to work outside city limits.

Basso said the main focus is between Saline and Clinton on Michigan Avenue and Austin Road. Police are also watching Saline-Milan Road.

Impaired riving doesn’t only make collisions more likely, the crashes tend to be more dangerous, according to information provided by the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office. Injuries are also more serious for drivers and passengers who consume alcohol, according to the release.

A motorist can be arrested for drunk driving with a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher.