MSP and other local law enforcement agencies will have extra patrols out for the holiday and encourage citizens to have designated sober drivers for transportation to and from parties and other festive destinations. (Ben Garbacz/Mining Gazette)

Extra patrols from the Michigan State Police and other local law enforcement officials will be keeping an eye on the roads for New Year’s Eve. The added patrols come through the Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP) to ensure no one under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be behind the wheel leading into 2025.

While Sgt. Kevin Rajala of MSP’s Calumet post has indicated that drivers in the area have historically been rather responsible this time of year, he and other officers want to remind party goers to drive safe and have a sober designated driver to take intoxicated individuals to and from their destinations. Rajala also wanted to emphasize an additional two safety tips for driving.

“We encourage people to buckle up,” he said.

Rajala said that many drivers will not buckle up when driving short distances such as a block or two.  He said that anything is possible when driving around and that people can never predict how others will conduct themselves behind the wheel.

Rajala also added that due to the recent warmer weather that any rain can turn into ice and that everyone should be weary of hazardous conditions while driving. MSP Eighth District Public Information Officer Lt. Ben Eckola shared similar sentiments regarding the weather.

“Plan ahead,” Eckola said. “It might be snowing in one area and raining in the next. Give yourself enough time to get where you are going since it might be slippery and drive slow.”