Michigan using talking urinal cakes in DUI fight

DETROIT (AP) - Michigan is hoping to keep drunks off the road with the help from a special bathroom message.

The state says talking urinal-deodorizer cakes have been distributed to Michigan Licensed Beverage Association members in Wayne, Bay, Ottawa and Delta counties. A recorded message will play reminding men who step up to the urinals to call a cab or a friend, if needed, to get home safely.

The messages are part of a statewide Fourth of July education and enforcement effort. A kickoff is planned Monday at Detroit pub The Old Shillelagh.

The federally funded drunken driving crackdown runs through July 8. It also includes stepped up patrols in 26 counties involving local police, county deputies and state troopers.

Talking urinal cakes have been used in other states for similar efforts