By By AUSTIN NEILSON / Niles Daily Star
NILES - Parties, traditionally associated with New Year's Eve, have increased concerns of drunk driving.
On Dec. 20, the Michigan State Police announced the beginning of a statewide effort to combat drunk driving. The program, known as You Drink &Drive, You Lose runs through Jan. 2.
However, according to the State Police's website, similar efforts in 2003 still resulted in more than 2,700 arrests for alcohol related offenses.
In Niles, police will be on the lookout for drunk drivers during New Year's weekend.
Trooper Rob Herbstreith, of the State Police's Niles Post, said the department will be visible on New Year's Eve.
Herbstrieth said all traffic laws will be strictly enforced during the holiday.
He added a Holiday Alcohol Grant, provided to the State Police, will help pay for holiday manpower.
According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 17,013 Americans were killed in accidents involving alcohol in 2003. Alcohol related accidents accounted for 40% of traffic deaths nationwide. An average of one person killed nearly every half-hour.
Michigan was slightly below the national average for 2003, with 37% of traffic fatalities in the state being alcohol related.
However, Trooper Herbstreith noted in his more than 11 years of service in Niles, drunk driving has not been a serious problem.
He said the amount of drunk drivers during New Year's is typical for any other holiday.
The State Police will also work with other local departments to help monitor for drunk drivers.
Herbstreith said the departments work well with each other and understand the importance of keeping drunk drivers off the roads.
In Michigan, the legal limit for blood alcohol content is .08.
Herbstreith said a first offense for an Operating While under the Influence (OWI) misdemeanor could result to a maximum of 93 days in jail and a $500 fine.
Second time offenders could receive up to one year in jail and an increased fine. The offense is also noted on their permanent record.
Multiple offenders could see their driver's license revoked or their vehicle impounded.
However, Herbstreith stressed licenses could be revoked even after a first offense.
He also said drivers with a blood alcohol content less than .08 could still be arrested if an officer determines they are impaired.