Crackdown leads to hundreds of arrests

LANSING (AP) — Authorities say a recent drunken driving crackdown featuring stepped-up patrols led to more than 500 drunken driving arrests.

The “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign kicked off in mid-March and ran until April 7. It took place in 26 counties across Michigan as bars and restaurants used special drink coasters with a basketball-themed message to promote the use of designated drivers.

The crackdown coincided with the men’s NCAA basketball tournament and other events. Officers also issued more than 680 citations for driving with a suspended license.

The effort involved Allegan, Berrien, Calhoun, Chippewa, Delta, Eaton, Genesee, Grand Traverse, Houghton, Ingham, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kent, Livingston, Macomb, Marquette, Monroe, Muskegon, Oakland, Ottawa, Saginaw, St. Clair, Van Buren, Washtenaw, Wayne and Wexford counties.