LANSING - To the men out there this Fourth of July holiday: Just when you think you're alone in the bathroom, don't be surprised if you hear a woman's voice coming from the urinal.
"Talking urinal communicators" may be placed at some local establishments in Delta County as a reminder to not drink and drive during the upcoming Fourth of July holiday, according to the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP).
"This is a creative way to spread the message about drunk driving," explained Melody Kindraka, communications coordinator for the OHSP, a division of the Michigan State Police. "The point is for people to make responsible decisions that will help all of us celebrate a safe Fourth of July."
Article Photos
Courtesy photo
Talking urinal communicators may be placed at some local establishments in Delta County as a reminder to not drink and drive during the upcoming Fourth of July holiday
In Delta County, a dozen local members of the Michigan Licensed Beverage Association have been sent the talking deodorizer cakes for restroom urinals. Wording on the deodorizer says: "Call a ride. Get home safe."
It's up to each bar or restaurant whether or not to use the communication devices during the program time frame of July 1-8, said Kindraka, who hopes the talking cakes will "help generate buzz" about the more serious message of having a safe holiday.
OHSP and the Michigan Licensed Beverage Association are working in partnership on the program to remind men to call a cab or a friend for a safe ride home. The idea came from other states which have used the talking urinal communicators, said Kindraka.
Four counties in Michigan were chosen to participate in this program - Delta, Bay, Ottawa and Wayne - because of stepped-up law enforcement efforts to curb drunk driving already underway in these areas, explained Kindraka.
"The restroom reminders are part of a larger effort that also includes a