Ahead of rivalry game, Michigan and Ohio police unite against drunk driving

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Ahead of the rivalry game Saturday, police in Michigan and Ohio are teaming up against drunk driving.

Michigan State Police and Ohio State Highway Patrol will both be cracking down on impaired driving Saturday, the two agencies said in a joint news release. The agencies said while Michigan and Ohio have a football rivalry, there “is no rivalry when it comes to removing impaired drivers from our roadways.”

“There is absolutely no reason to drive impaired — ever,” Col. James F. Grady II, director of the Michigan State Police, said in the release. “Enjoy the game and the celebrations that come with it but please be responsible because lives depend on it. Protect yourself and others on the road by using a rideshare service or if driving, only drive sober, avoid distractions, and wear your seatbelt.”

Col. Charles A. Jones, the superintendent of Ohio State Highway Patrol, reminded fans to designate a sober driver, follow speed limits and wear a seat belt.

“The best way to keep the roads safe during this weekend’s Ohio State vs. Michigan game is for all drivers to make safety a priority,” he said in the release. “Whether you’re cheering for Scarlet and Gray or Maize and Blue, safe driving habits are key.”

The rivalry game will kick off at noon Saturday in Columbus. It will air on Fox.