LANSING - The holiday's are quickly approaching, and while they are a time to enjoy with family and friends, it is also one of the deadliest times of year for drunk-and drugged-driving fatalities.

That's why law enforcement officers are partnering with the Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP) to encourage residents to drive safe and sober this holiday season.

The national Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over enforcement campaign will run from December 18th to January 1st, designed to increase awareness about the consequences of impaired driving and to lower traffic related injuries and accidents on the road.

“The holidays should be an enjoyable time to spend with loved ones,” said Michael L. Prince, OHSP Director. “It’s important for people to drive sober this holiday season – and every day. If you’re impaired by any substance, you shouldn’t drive.”

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has also declared December as Impaired Driving Prevention Month in Michigan.

In 2018, one person was killed every 50 minutes by a drunk driver on our nation’s roads. Out of the 905 fatal crashes in 2018, 31.7 percent involved alcohol, in Michigan alone. There were 13 fatal crashes, nine involving alcohol during Christmas last year, and nine fatal crashes, one resulting from alcohol during New Year's last year.

Officers involved in this campaign will pay close attention to any drivers who are under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Driving while impaired is illegal and those who do can be arrested for a DUI and jail time.

"If you notice a friend or a loved one or anybody that you think is too intoxicated to drive, do your best, be a buddy, help them get a ride home said Meridian Township Police Lieutenant Rick Grillo. Be that you're driving them yourself, calling an Uber or one of ride-sharing organizations, taxi, don't let somebody drive drunk, if you see it, then you need to step up and be a responsible person and make sure they get home safe."

The Meridian Township Police Department will also be monitoring the roads more closely for any cases of drunk or drugged driving between now till the end of the year.

The Drive Sober or Get Pulled over campaign is supported by the federal traffic safety funds provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration while coordinated by the Office of Highway Safety Planning.