LANSING - With St. Patrick's Day and the NCAA Tournament taking place this month, people have plenty of reason to celebrate. But police agencies across the State of Michigan are encouraging drivers to pass the keys and designate a sober driver.

According to the Michigan State Police, there were 354 deaths in 2013 due to alcohol or drug-related crashes, and just last year, more than 2,000 people were arrested for drunk driving during the NCAA Tournament period. The Michigan State Police say alcohol-related crashes tend to be more severe than non-alcohol related. Drivers can face up to 93 days in jail and a $500 fine for their first offense.

"I think it's particularly nice to have this around St. Patty's Day and March Madness because it is typically a time you get more people out and about that are celebrating and, unfortunately, sometimes get behind the wheel," Lt. Mark Wriggelsworth of the Eaton County Sherrif's Department said. "And I think it allows us, with the grant funding, to put additional officers on-the-road to look for these people that are impaired."

This year's crackdown runs from March 17th-April 7th.