Michigan police planning drunk driving crackdowns during Super Bowl

About 70 Michigan law enforcement agencies are planning a crackdown on drunken driving as residents celebrate the Super Bowl this weekend.

The Michigan State Police announced Thursday that law enforcement officers in 20 counties will be working extra from Friday to Sunday to target drunk drivers.

The Director of Michigan's Office of Highway Safety Planning says "Michigan law enforcement officers don't play games when it comes to drunk drivers" and is encouraging residents to use a designated driver.

Washtenaw County will see increased police patrols with a special traffic enforcement period over the weekend.

Law enforcement will work more than 150 hours, in Washtenaw County alone, to enforce drunken driving laws

This special traffic enforcement is paid by federal traffic safety funds which are administrated by the Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP).

State police say 166 people were arrested for drunken driving on Super Bowl Sunday last year.

Of those arrests, police say 52 involved a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .17 or higher. Two people also died in traffic crashes last Super Bowl, and both crashes involved alcohol.

In Michigan, a motorist can be arrested for drunk driving with a .08 blood alcohol content or higher, although drivers 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.

The bottom line, if you're planning to party this weekend, the office recommends choosing a sober driver before the Super Bowl begins and adding numbers for local cab companies in a cellphone.