The rate of alcohol-related deaths increased as well. Alcohol arrests rose to 61,803 in 1999, up from 60,971 in 1998. We are hopeful that the impact of new changes in Michigan s drunk driving laws will result in a more positive report next year.
Men continue to far outnumber women in their rate of alcohol arrests.
This year s report includes a first-time summary of vehicle immobilizations ordered under the state s new repeat offender laws, which went into effect October 1999. To combat drunk driving, many state law enforcement agencies participate in Operation Nightcap, a saturation patrol program targeted in the highest crash areas. Special funding allows officers to target problem areas with intense enforcement at the time of day and day of the week when most alcohol-related crashes occur. These programs take time to show impact. In addition, OHSP has funded the purchase of additional in-car video cameras to assist in the detection and prosecution of drunk drivers.