EAST LANSING, Mich. – The East Lansing Police Department and Michigan State University Police Department will be participating in the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign from March 16-29.
During this time frame, extra patrols will be out in the East Lansing-MSU community to crack down on drunk drivers. The time frame corresponds with events that Spartans frequently celebrate, including Saint Patrick’s Day and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) men’s and women’s basketball tournaments.
"Throughout the years, ELPD has consistently focused efforts on drunk driving enforcement, deterrence and education,” said ELPD Lt. Steve Gonzalez. “Drunk driving accidents can be devastating to everyone involved and are wholly preventable. We encourage motorists to drive sober, drive safe and use designated drivers as we approach the Saint Patrick's Day weekend and the start of the NCAA men’s and women’s basketball tournaments."
In Michigan, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08 or higher for motorists who are 21 or older and .02 for those who are under 21. However, motorists can be arrested at any BAC level if an officer believes they are impaired. The legal drinking age in Michigan is 21. Motorists convicted of drunk driving receive penalties that could include jail time, fines and a suspended license.
Those planning to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day in downtown East Lansing are reminded that free overnight parking will be offered at specific downtown locations in an effort to encourage safe rides home. Free overnight parking will be offered from 10 p.m. on Friday, March 17 through noon on Saturday, March 18 at the Bailey Street Parking Garage and the Dublin Square, Evergreen Avenue and City Hall West parking lots. Additional details about the free overnight parking, including a parking map, are available at www.downtownel.com.