Decreased Fatalities Reported During Michigan Fourth of July Drunk Driving Crackdown

Flint, MI (Law Firm Newswire) July 30, 2014 – Michigan saw far fewer traffic fatalities during the Fourth of July weekend in 2014 than it did in 2013. Over the 2014 holiday, police engaged in targeted enforcement of laws against drunk driving.

This year, there were four traffic deaths in Michigan during the period from 6:00 p.m. July 3 until midnight July 6, according to a statement from Michigan State Police. In 2013, there were 19 traffic fatalities over the holiday weekend, and 40 percent of them involved alcohol. This year’s crackdown on drunk driving involved police agencies in 26 Michigan counties.

“In addition to the risk of injury or death, there are significant legal consequences to driving under the influence,” said Shaun R. Marks, a Flint attorney who represents people charged with drunk driving offenses. Marks said that a first-time offender can face up to 93 days in jail, and the consequences are even stiffer for repeat offenders and for people charged with driving with a blood alcohol content of .17 or above.

“Anyone charged with a drunk driving offense should seek experienced legal representation without delay,” said Marks.

The four traffic deaths reported over the holiday weekend this year included two motorcyclists, an automobile driver and a pedestrian. Authorities said that alcohol was known to be a factor in two of the accidents.

Michigan police engaged in the stepped-up drunk driving enforcement period from July 3 to about July 12. During last year’s targeted enforcement period, the extra patrols resulted in 115 arrests.

Authorities warned those drinking alcohol during holidays to designate a sober driver.