Extra Officers on Duty to Discourage Impaired Driving

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 Oakland County, four extra deputies from the OC Sheriff's Office Alcohol Enforcement Team will be on duty Friday and Dec. 31 starting at 11 p.m.

"The alcohol enforcement team will be out in force the whole holiday season, but we'll be adding an extra detail on those two dates," Oakland County Sheriff's Office Lt. Chris Wundrach said.

Wundrach explained the Alcohol Enforcement Team is comprised of six individuals who enforce drunken driving laws throughout the year.

Those who plan to drink are always encouraged to designate a sober driver, 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 .