Summer is heating up and so is a statewide drunk driving crackdown.

Dowagiac Police Department is joining law enforcement agencies across the state for a July 4 “Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest” crackdown.

Increased patrols begin Thursday, July 1, and run until July 11 in the city.

Local law enforcement will take to the streets working to prevent drunk driving injuries and deaths by arresting impaired drivers.

During last year’s July 4 holiday period, one person was killed in an alcohol-related traffic crash.

“Summer is a great time to celebrate and relax with friends and family. But fun should not come at the expense of a needless death caused by impaired driving,” said Officer Stacey Bazan.

“To prevent tragedy or a drunk driving arrest, partiers should designate a sober driver, take a cab/ride service or spend the night.”

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

A costly drunk driving conviction comes with assorted penalties including fines, legal fees, driver responsibility fees, court costs and higher insurance rates.

In 2009, there were 299 alcohol-related traffic deaths – a 6-percent decrease from 2008.