Preliminary reports from the Michigan State Police (MSP) show that eight people lost their lives in seven separate traffic crashes during the 2012 Memorial Day holiday weekend. In comparison, nine people died in traffic crashes during the 2011 Memorial Day Holiday weekend.

According to the MSP, of the eight fatalities, three were known to have used restraints, and alcohol was a known factor in two of the seven crashes.

Captain Kari Kusmierz, commander of the MSP Training Division, said the numbers are preliminary and only reflect the fatalities reported to the MSP as of noon yesterday, but they show a decrease from same holiday period last year. She added "the MSP continues to urge motorists not to drink and drive, to always use proper restraints and to drive safely."

The 2012 Memorial Day holiday weekend ran from 6 p.m. on Friday, May 25 through midnight on Monday, May 28.

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