The Michigan State Police have announced that preliminary reports show three people lost their lives in three separate crashes during the 2014 Thanksgiving holiday weekend. It's a significant decrease from the 12 deaths that occurred from 11 crashes during the 2013 Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Of the three deaths, one was a pedestrian, one was a vehicle driver and one was a vehicle passenger. Alcohol was a known factor in one of the crashes.

Captain Kari Kusmierz, commander of the MSP Training Division, said while the preliminary numbers suggest a 75 percent reduction and they are thankful for that "even one death is too many.

The Thanksgiving holiday effort was part of Operation C.A.R.E. in which troopers utilized federal traffic safety funds to conduct high-visibility enforcement focused on impaired driving, seat belt use, careless driving and speeding. The effort was also supported by the Give Thanks. Drive Safely. public awareness campaign that included illustrations of traditional Thanksgiving items to create a connection between driving safely and enjoying the holiday.

The 2014 Thanksgiving holiday weekend ran from 6 p.m. on Wednesday, November 26th through 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, November 30th.

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