July 12, 2004
Contact: Lynn Sutfin (517) 333-5754 for arrest information, Kelly Chesney (517) 373-2520 for conviction information

For the second year in a row, an audit of the state’s drunk driving arrests, convictions and crashes and fatalities involving alcohol and/or drugs has shown an across-the-board decrease.

The 2003 Drunk Driving Audit, issued by the Michigan State Police, Criminal Justice Information Center, provides detailed information, including arrest activity by law enforcement agency for each county in the state as well as crash, injury and fatality information by county.

In 2003, 442 people died in alcohol and/or drug related fatalities, down from 463 in 2002. Drunk and impaired driving arrests totaled 55,746, a decrease from the 57,789 individuals arrested in 2002. Of the 53,354 people arrested for operating under the influence of liquor (OUIL), 25,127 were convicted of that offense, while 28,181 were convicted of impaired driving.

Injuries resulting from alcohol and/or drug-related crashes also decreased, from 9,830 in 2002 to 9,315 in 2003.

"This report highlights the effectiveness of Michigan’s law enforcement officers when it comes to enforcing our state’s drunk driving laws," said Michigan State Police Director, Colonel Tadarial J. Sturdivant. "Thanks to stricter laws that carry harsh penalties, we are now experiencing fewer fatalities and injuries on our roadways due to alcohol and drugs."

Educating the motoring public about Michigan’s laws has also proven vital to the state’s continuing success, said Secretary of State Terri Lynn Land, the state’s chief motor vehicle administrator.

"Most Michigan drivers accept the tremendous responsibility that comes with getting behind the wheel," Land said. "Fortunately, our message is getting through to that small segment of the population that disregards the safety of others. The state’s emphasis on education and awareness is forcing all motorists to think twice before making a tragic mistake. We must continue working with other stakeholders so that this welcome trend continues."

A key piece of legislation is Michigan’s repeat offender law, which took effect in October 1999. This law created harsher penalties for repeat offenders in an effort to limit access to vehicles through license plate confiscation, mandatory vehicle immobilization and vehicle forfeiture.

A recently adopted law has the potential to decrease alcohol and drug-related fatalities even further. In September 2003, Michigan lowered the limit at which a motorist is considered a drunk driver to .08 blood alcohol content (BAC).

To view the entire 2003 Drunk Driving Audit, click here