New Year's Eve: Drunk Drivers Beware

Law enforcement officers in communities in 26 counties, including Oakland County, 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.

In Waterford, two extra patrols will be out starting at 9 p.m. on Saturday. Oakland County Sheriff's, who have a substation in Highland, will have four extra patrols out Saturday starting at 11 p.m.

While White Lake won't have extra patrols out, Chief Edward Harris said officers will be on the streets looking for drunk drivers.

"We are always vigilant when it comes to drinking and driving," he said. "With New Year's we will be extra vigilant, and try to keep the streets safe."

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.