July 2, 2003
As many people prepare to enjoy a long holiday weekend, more than 540 Michigan law enforcement agencies will continue to make drunk driving enforcement a priority as part of the statewide You Drink & Drive. You Lose. crackdown. The crackdown began June 27 and concludes July 13.
In addition to the added police presence, commercial truck drivers from five Michigan companies have agreed to help spot drunk drivers to support the effort. Drivers from the following five companies are participating as "Night Owls":
- Central Transport, a general commodities trucking company in Warren;
- E&L Transport, a car hauler based in Wayne;
- Meijer, Inc., the number one Midwest promotional supercenter, based in Grand Rapids;
- Sara Lee Taystee Bakery Group, in Marquette; and
- Spartan Stores, a grocery/drugstore retailer and wholesale distributor based in Grand Rapids.
Truckers from the "Night Owl" companies travel an average of four million miles in the state each month. Many operate at night and have first-hand experience with drunk drivers. The "Night Owls" will assist Michigan State Police troopers, sheriff's deputies and local police officers by identifying drivers who exhibit warning signs of drunk driving.
In addition, law enforcement agencies in the state’s 19 most highly populated, highly traveled counties are receiving federal traffic safety funds through OHSP for additional dedicated drunk driving patrols.
For a list of law enforcement agencies participating in the crackdown, visit www.michigan.gov/msp and select "Services to Governmental Agencies." Then, select Office of Highway Safety Planning. Click on the You Drink & Drive. You Lose. logo for additional information.
Read more press releases from the Michigan State Police.