June 17, 2009, Canton, MI – Canton Police Department is joining law enforcement agencies across the state for a summer Over the Limit. Under Arrest. crackdown. Beginning June 26 through July 5 Michigan drivers will find stepped up patrols looking for drunk drivers.

This includes the July 4th weekend which is a time for parties, picnics and celebrations. Last year 14 motorists died in Michigan over the July 4th holiday, with five of those deaths involving alcohol and three of those motorists being unbuckled.

"We want people to enjoy themselves and be responsible. By stepping up enforcement during the holiday season we can keep motorists safe by removing drunk drivers from the roadways," said Special Services Lieutenant Scott Hilden.

In Michigan, a motorist can be arrested for drunk driving with a .08 blood alcohol content or higher. A drunk driving conviction is costly and comes with assorted penalties including fines, legal fees, driver responsibility fees, court costs and higher insurance rates.

"Not driving drunk is so much easier than getting behind the wheel after drinking too much. Penalties can be avoided by designating a sober driver, taking a cab or spending the night at a friend’s house." Hilden adds.

Extra patrols are funded by federal grants from the Office of Highway Safety Planning.

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