State traffic safety officials are taking an unusual approach to a serious issue by introducing the fictitious Traffic Safety Brewing Company complete with a new summer traffic safety six-pack at bars and restaurants across the state. The launch coincides with a statewide drunk driving and seat belt enforcement crackdown through Sept. 1.
The faux brewing company and spoof beverage list with items such as "Call A Cab Cider" and "Designated Driver Dark" were developed by the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP) to convey a positive approach to individual responsibility while drinking.
Recommended Videos
OHSP partnered with the Michigan Licensed Beverage Association to distribute the spoof beer list to the group's more than 1,100 members to promote safety and responsibility among their patrons.
"The Traffic Safety Brewing Company beer list may be amusing but the message is serious. Whether you are enjoying a Michigan microbrew or your favorite wine or spirit, make the right choices about getting home safely because law enforcement officers are experts at stopping and arresting drunk drivers," said OHSP director Michael L. Prince.
Law enforcement officers from 150 local police departments, sheriff's offices and Michigan State Police posts covering the counties of Alpena, Antrim, Allegan, Berrien, Calhoun, Charlevoix, Chippewa, Cheboygan, Crawford, Delta, Dickinson, Eaton, Emmet, Genesee, Gogebic, Grand Traverse, Houghton, Ingham, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kalkaska, Kent, Leelanau, Livingston, Mackinac, Macomb, Manistee, Marquette, Menominee, Monroe, Muskegon, Oakland, Otsego, Ottawa, Saginaw, St. Clair, Van Buren, Washtenaw, Wayne and Wexford are participating in the larger, nationwide Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over crackdown.
Motorists are also being warned about the increased drunk driving and seat belt patrols through a statewide advertising campaign. The campaign and stepped-up enforcement are paid for with federal traffic safety funds coordinated by OHSP.
During last year's Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over effort, 267 motorists were arrested for drunk driving and 4,119 seat belt and child restraint citations were issued.
The effort is part of Michigan's Strategic Highway Safety Plan signed by Gov. Rick Snyder in February 2013.