Crime & Safety

Washtenaw County Sheriff Patrols Increase for Super Bowl Weekend

Officers will work extra hours to prevent drunk driving in Dexter, Chelsea, and Saline.

If you’re over the limit, you’ll be under arrest.

Beginning Feb. 1, the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office, University of Michigan Department of Public Safety, Pittsfield Department of Public Safety, and the Saline Police Department will step up enforcement and be on the lookout for impaired drivers in Washtenaw County on Super Bowl weekend.

The special traffic enforcement period takes place from Feb. 1 through Feb. 3.

Officers will work more than 150 hours in Washtenaw County designated for drunken driving enforcement. This special traffic enforcement is paid by federal traffic safety funds, which are administrated by the Office of Highway Safety Planning.

Last year on Super Bowl Sunday, 166 people were arrested in Michigan for drunk driving, according to the Michigan State Police Criminal Justice Information Center. Fifty-two people arrested had a blood alcohol content of .17 or higher. Two people died in traffic crashes involving alcohol.

In Michigan, a motorist can be arrested for drunk driving with a .08 blood alcohol content or higher, although motorists can be arrested at any BAC level if an officer feels they are impaired. A drunk-driving conviction carries with it an assortment of penalties, including court costs and fines, increased car insurance rates, legal fees, and $2,000 in driver responsibilities fees.

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