State Police will be looking for drunk drivers on Sunday

St. Patrick's Day is Sunday, March 17 and the Michigan State Police are planning on focusing on impaired drivers that day.

They are reminding drivers to make safe choices on Sunday as they go out in force for the international traffic safety initiative, Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness and Reduction Efforts).

“Don’t rely on luck. If you plan on celebrating, plan ahead by designating a sober driver or scheduling a ride on St. Patrick’s Day,” said Col. Joe Gasper, director of the MSP. “We want the roads safe for everyone using them. Troopers will be out looking for impaired drivers.”

The enforcement period will be for the entire holiday, beginning at 12:01 a.m., on Sunday, March 17, and ending at 11:59 p.m.

"Operation C.A.R.E. began in 1977 as a collaborative effort between the MSP and the Indiana State Police, and is one of the nation’s longest-running traffic safety initiatives."

They say it focuses on deterring the three main causes of highway fatalities: aggressive driving, impaired driving and failure to use seat belts.

State police and highway patrol agencies from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Ontario Provincial Police, Quebec Police Force and the U.S. Virgin Islands will be participating in this lifesaving traffic safety initiative.

Not only cops, but doctors also urge to stay off the roadways.

The American College of Emergency Physicians estimates 30 people die in alcohol-related car crashes every day.

Experts say reaction time and ability to pay attention while driving can be affected after just one drink..

That also goes for motorized scooters that are popular in many cities.

Doctors say designating a sober driver... or using public transportation ... are the best ways to get to and from St. Patty's Day festivities.