MPPD Reminds Drivers of the Dangers of Impaired Driving

During the busy, end-of-summer travel season that includes the Labor Day holiday weekend, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) will be working alongside the Michigan State Police (MSP) and the Mt. Pleasant Police Department (MPPD) to remind drivers of the dangers of impaired driving.

In 2023, 41% of fatalities on Michigan roadways involved alcohol and/or drugs. According to the University of Michigan Transportation Research Institute, out of the 8,817 alcohol-involved crashes, 297 were fatalities. Whereas the 2,250 drug-involved crashes resulted in 256 fatalities.

In Michigan, it is illegal to drive with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher, although motorists can be arrested at any BAC level if an officer believes they are impaired.

MPPD’s Public Information Officer David Coffman, shared, “No matter what the substance may be, if it has impaired you, you should not be driving. The MPPD wants everyone to enjoy the end of the summer. Commit to yourself and to your community that you will drive safe and sober every day.”

To increase awareness and encourage safe and sober driving, the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP) is funding a statewide media campaign about the dangers of impaired driving. The “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign is coordinated by the OHSP and supported with federal traffic safety funds provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation and NHTSA.

Residential Fire Extinguished

At 10:04 p.m. on Friday, January 28, 2022 the Mount Pleasant Fire Department responded to a house fire at 1512 W. Granger Street. Upon arrival, crews observed flames and smoke coming from the rear of the single story residence.

The home was occupied at the time of the fire, but all individuals were able to exit safely without injury. The fire was brought under control by 10:43 p.m. The structure sustained heavy smoke, heat and fire damage. The family who occupied the home has been provided food and shelter by the American Red Cross.

The fire remains under investigation. The Mt. Pleasant Fire Department was assisted by the Mt. Pleasant Police Department, Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Fire Department and Isabella County Central Dispatch. The fire remains under investigation.

Mt. Pleasant Police and Fire Departments Respond to Report of Smoke at the Middle School

On October 6 at 8:36 a.m., the Mount Pleasant Fire Department (MPFD) responded to a report of smoke at the Middle School – 440 S. Bradley Street.

Upon arrival, police and fire personnel immediately detected a small fire in a second story restroom, and extinguished the flames with fire extinguishers.

The south section of the second story hallway and restroom sustained light to moderate smoke damage. All staff and students were safely evacuated and dismissed for the day so clean-up can be completed.

No injuries were sustained to students, faculty, staff or first responders. The MPFD is investigating the cause of the fire.

The MPFD was assisted by the Mt. Pleasant Police Department and Central Dispatch.