Crackdown looks for drunk drivers

By Rosemary Arnholt
Posted Thursday, July 3, 2008

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LAPEER COUNTY — Lapeer County Sheriff’s staff joins with law enforcers statewide to crack down on drunk drivers with stepped up patrols.

The Over the Limit, Under Arrest crackdown includes the July 4 holiday. Last year, two of four deaths in Michigan over the holiday period were alcohol-related.

“By stepping up enforcement during the holiday season, we can keep motorists safe by removing drunk drivers from the roadways,” said Sheriff Ron Kalanquin.

The highest cost for a drunk driver is the loss of life by their actions. But even if it does not result in a crash or injuries, a conviction is costly and penalties include fines, legal fees, driver responsibility fees, court costs and higher insurance rates.

There were 382 alcohol- or drug-related deaths in 2007, a decrease of 13 percent from 2006. — R.A.