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Police Planning Extra Patrols for Holiday

Posted at 8:43 AM, Nov 21, 2012
and last updated 2012-11-26 08:35:13-05

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich.- Police around the state will be out in extra force this holiday weekend. Their main target is drunk drivers. Almost 100 police agencies around the state are planning extra patrols this week between November 21 and 25. This includes Calhoun, Kent, Ottawa, and Van Buren counties in West Michigan.

Michigan State Police say last year 166 people were arrested for drunk driving the night before Thanksgiving alone. They are also reminding drivers to slow down and be careful. Last year, seven people were killed in the state this weekend alone and none of them were due to alcohol. Police want to remind people to designate a sober drive before drinking or to take public transportation home.

If you’re convicted of drunk driving, you can face up to ninety-three days in jail, up to a $500 fine, and six points on your license. Drivers who refuse a breathalyzer their first time automatically have their license suspended for one year.