story is courtesy of Midland Daily News

Sheriff Scott Stephenson is asking drivers to be smart by buckling up and not drinking and driving during the Labor Day holiday weekend.

Deputies will be on patrol this weekend in Midland County to stop impaired driving and enforce Michigan’s seat belt law. During this high traffic time, it is especially important for travelers to wear their seat belts and refrain from using any substances which impair driving, Stephenson stated.

“Drivers who operate vehicles while they are under the influence of drugs or alcohol cost Michigan residents millions of dollars each year in lost time, lost property and most importantly, lost lives,” Stephenson stated in a media release. “The greatest tragedy is that deaths due to impaired driving are preventable — these are not accidents.”

Michigan ranks high in the nation in seatbelt use. Studies have shown that there is a direct correlation between seatbelt use and crash survival.

“Seatbelts save lives,” Stephenson stated. “Please remember to buckle up each and every time you get in your vehicle.”