St. Patrick's Day will be unlucky for drunk drivers because law enforcement officers in 19 Michigan counties will be specifically looking for and arresting those who don’t drive sober this weekend.

The Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP) is administering federal traffic safety funds for the enforcement activity in an effort to reduce traffic injuries and fatalities.  These funds, part of the You Drink & Drive. You Lose. campaign, allow agencies to put additional officers on the road.

“St. Patrick’s Day has become a big party night for many.  Because St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Friday this year, the potential for a dangerous weekend on the roads is even greater,” said Michael L. Prince, OHSP division director. “Law enforcement officers will be looking specifically for drunk drivers, so everyone should designate a sober driver.”

During St. Patrick’s Day weekend in Michigan in 2005, 58 percent of fatal crashes involved alcohol, according to the Michigan State Police, Criminal Justice Information Center.  Six alcohol-related crashes resulted in seven fatalities.  On average, 36 percent of traffic deaths in Michigan involve alcohol and/or drugs.

Participating counties include: Bay, Delta, Genesee, Ingham, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Lapeer, Livingston, Macomb, Marquette, Mason, Menominee, Oakland, Oceana, Ottawa, Saginaw, St. Clair, Washtenaw and Wayne.

Read more news releases from the Michigan State Police.