LANSING - Area law enforcement has joined together to help reduce traffic crashed during the end of August through the Labor Day holiday.

A press conference was held on Friday, August 21st to kick off this year's "Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over" campaign.

“We are here today to encourage you - students and parents - alike to also consider having a traffic safety checklist because using a seatbelt and having a sober ride home after celebrating, is just plan smart,” said Michael L. Prince, Director of the Michigan Office of Highway Planning.

Stepped up drunk driving patrols will run through September 7th across the state. This period includes student move-in at many Michigan colleges and universities, as well as the Labor Day holiday weekend.

According to the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning, during the 2014 Labor Day holiday period, five of the six fatal traffic crashes involved alcohol. In 2014, 319 people died in Michigan as a result of alcohol and/or drug-involved traffic crashes, a 9 percent decrease from 2013.

The Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign will also include stepped up seat belt enforcement. Buckling up can reduce the risk of serious injury or death in a crash by 45 percent.