OTTAWA COUNTY – Police agencies in Ottawa County are cracking down on drunk drivers this weekend.
Thanks to allocated grant money law enforcement officials utilize a special mobile unit with breathalyzer capabilities to test suspected drunk drivers.
It’s called the Breath Alcohol Testing Unit (B.A.T. Mobile) and it’s been in use for the past 12 years throughout Ottawa County.
Sgt. Jeff Velthouse with the Holland Police Department said there are a few factors to help determine where the mobile unit will be placed. It’s placement depends on the population size or if there’s an uptick of drunk driving related incidents in a particular area.
Departments who use the unit are required to submit statistics and list how many arrests were made. This helps determine how much grant money they will receive to continue the effort.
Sgt.Velthouse said it’s important to educate the public to not drink and drive. He said law enforcement agencies remind motorists through the use of signs along roadways and by officers handing notes to drivers.
It’s not in use every weekend, but the B.A.T. Mobile will be out this weekend.
