Local law enforcement in full force for Fourth of July holiday

By Dionna Harris

dharris@dailypress.net

ESCANABA - Law enforcement agencies throughout Delta, Schoolcraft and Menominee counties have added extra patrols this Fourth of July holiday.

"We are working with the U.S. Forest Service to patrol the U.S. Forest campgrounds throughout Delta County," said Delta County Sheriff Gary Ballweg.

Ballweg also said there will be extra road patrols out on county roads, including M-183 in Garden and along U.S. 2.

"Federal funds are being utilized to cover the additional cost associated with the added patrols," said Ballweg.

Escanaba and Gladstone Public Safety will also have additional patrols out for the holiday time period which officially began at 6 p.m. Wednesday.

In Schoolcraft County, according to Sheriff Gary Maddox, there will be additional road and marine patrols out to help reduce the instances of impaired boating and driving.

The extra patrols will be used to crack down on impaired drivers through July 5, noted John J. Pastuovic, of the National Highway Transportation and Safety Administration (NHTSA).

"In 2007, 34 percent of all drivers involved in traffic related crashes during the Independence Day Holiday period had a blood level concentration of .08 or higher than the legal limit in every state," stated Pastuovic.

He also noted in 2007 in the U.S, there were 200 traffic related fatalities, with 44 percent of those involving a driver or motorcycle operator with a blood alcohol level of .08 or higher nationwide.

Michigan State Police troopers also will also be out with extra patrols as part of the Operation Combined Accident Reduction Effort (CARE) traffic safety initiative.

"This weekend, troopers will be watching for unsafe driving behaviors with a special emphasis on motorists driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs," stated Michigan State Police director Col. Peter C. Munoz. "The July 4 holiday is a great time to celebrate with family and friends, but remember to do so responsibly."

According to Munoz, in 2008 there were 14 reported traffic fatalities over the Fourth of July holiday weekend statewide. In three of those 14 reported fatalities alcohol was a factor. Three other fatalities were the result of failure to wear a seatbelt.

"The message this holiday weekend is simple and straightforward, if you drink and drive and get caught you will be arrested," stated Pastuovic. "Offenders can lose their licenses, time from their jobs, and money in high fines and court costs as well as imprisonment."