Bloomfield Area Police Step Up Drunken Driving Patrol Over Holidays

Law enforcement officers in communities in 26 counties, including Bloomfield Township, will put in some extra time targeting impaired drivers during the holiday season.

The added enforcement is part of the holiday Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest. crackdown being funded with federal traffic safety grants administered by the Office of Highway Safety Planning. Officers started last Friday and Saturday and will continue with two dedicated 12-hour patrols this weekend and Dec. 30.

"We always try to be a bit more visible at this time of year for crime prevention and driving enforcement," said Lt. Phil Langmeyer of the Bloomfield Township Police Department. Authorities also urge residents to notify them if they suspect a motorist is intoxicated.

Those who plan to drink are always encouraged to designate a sober driver before consuming any alcohol or take a cab or spend the night where they are. After all, you don't want to blow your holiday season budget on a DUI offense, which can adding up to more than $15,000, according to the Michigan State Police.

"The inconvenience of a drunk driving arrest doesn't end with a trip to jail," OHSP Director Michael L. Prince said in a release. "When factoring in court costs, legal fees, bail, towing, license fees and increased insurance, a drunk driving arrest is a very expensive situation."

Out of the 11 people who were killed over last year's Christmas and New Year's holidays in crashes on Michigan roadways, four were alcohol-fueled incidents, according to the OHSP.

To see a complete list of participating communities, visit the OHSP website.

Bloomfield Patch Editor Art Aisner contributed to this report.