LANSING - Area law enforcement have joined together to keep a lookout for drunk drivers and those not wearing seat belts during the Labor Day holiday weekend.

The federally funded extra patrols are part of the Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign, which began Aug. 18 and will last through Monday.

"The Labor Day holiday weekend is a time for many families to travel our state one last time before the summer ends. This traffic safety campaign generates thousands of additional hours of police patrols with a focus on dangerous driving behavior," said Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP) Director Michael L. Prince. "Motorists are advised to drive sober and buckle-up as officers will be conducting strict, stepped up enforcement."

“As part of Operation C.A.R.E. and the statewide Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over drunk driving enforcement campaign, this weekend troopers will put special emphasis on dangerous driving behaviors, unbelted motorists and those driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs,” stated Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue, director of the MSP. “The final holiday weekend of the summer is a great time to travel our great state, but please do so safely.”

According to the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning, fifteen people died in 12 traffic crashes during the 2015 Labor Day holiday period, a significant increase from six fatalities during the 2014 Labor Day holiday. Nearly two-thirds of the 2015 Labor Day holiday cashes involved alcohol. It is believed nine of the fatalities were not wearing seat belts.

In Michigan, it is illegal to drive with a BAC of .08 or higher, although motorists can be arrested at any BAC level if an officer believes they are impaired. Motorists face enhanced penalties if arrested for a first-time drunk driving offense with a .17 BAC or higher.

Michigan law requires drivers, front seat passengers and passengers 15 and younger in any seating position to be buckled up. Children must be in a car seat or booster seat until they are 8 years old or 4'9" tall, and children under 4 years old must be in the back seat.

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.