State Police Report Decrease in Traffic Fatalities During 2013 Labor Day Weekend

The Michigan State Police (MSP) confirmed Friday that preliminary reports indicate four people lost their lives in three separate traffic crashes during the 2013 Labor Day holiday weekend. In comparison, eight people died in traffic crashes during the 2012 Labor Day holiday weekend.

Of the four fatalities, two persons were know to have used restraints. Alcohol was a factor in one crash. One crash involved a bicyclist struck by a car, and another involved a motorcyclist not wearing a helmet.

Captain Kari Kusmierz, commander of the MSP Training Division said "the preliminary numbers show a decrease in fatalities from this same holiday period last year. The MSP continues to urge motorists not to drink and drive, to always use proper restraints and to drive safely at all times."

The 2013 Labor Day holiday weekend ran from 6 p.m. on Friday, August 30 through 11:59 p.m. on Monday, September 2.