Fenton Police Join Statewide Drunk Driving Crackdown for Holiday Weekend

As Michigan prepares to embark upon a statewide crackdown on drunk drivers over the July 4th holiday, federally funded TV and radio ads reminding motorists that a drunk driving conviction can curtail their independence began airing earlier this week.

The TV spot features a convicted drunk driver and illustrates how the DUI literally follows him around in his daily life. The young man drags a keg representing the arrest as he walks through town because he no longer has a license. He then attempts to withdraw money from an ATM, only to discover he has insufficient funds in his bank account because of the costly arrest.

"A drunk driving arrest doesn't end with a night in jail," said Michael L. Prince, Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP) director.  "The fines, fees, increased insurance rates and driving restrictions have a lasting effect on convicted drunk drivers."

Fenton Police will be on the lookout for drunk drivers as part of the campaign, Fenton Police Chief rock Aro said.

“Everyone on the afternoon and midnight shifts will focus on drunk driving,” Aro said. "All of the cars will be on the street during holiday hours.”

The advertising blitz, sponsored by OHSP, warns motorists the Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest. statewide crackdown is July 1-10. TV, cable and radio ads will run June 27 to July 9 in the Detroit, Flint and Grand Rapids media markets. Ten "frozen billboards" will also be utilized in those markets. This unique marketing technique involves "wrapping" outdoor ice chests at convenience stores or gas stations with a message urging motorists not to drive drunk.

Ads will also appear on sports websites such as MLB.com, NASCAR.com and ESPN.com, all popular with men ages 21 to 34, the group most likely to drive drunk. In addition, fans attending games at Fifth Third Stadium near Grand Rapids will see electronic messages about the crackdown along U.S. 131 and on the centerfield digital scoreboard.

Advertising concepts were developed based on focus group findings that indicate men ages 21 to 34 are most concerned with the monetary consequences of a drunk driving arrest and conviction. No state general fund money is being used to support this effort. Federal traffic safety dollars earmarked for enforcement and advertising are funding the ad campaign.