MSP Reports Increase in Traffic Fatalities over Fourth of July Holiday Weekend

The Michigan State Police has announced preliminary reports indicate 11 people lost their lives in 10 separate traffic crashes during the 2013 Fourth of July holiday weekend. In comparison, four people died in traffic crashes during the 2012 Fourth of July holiday weekend.

Of the 11 fatalities, only eight people had restraints available to them; four were know to have used restraints, three did not and one was unknown. Alcohol was a known factor in one of the crashes.

Captain Kari Kusmierz, commander of the MSP Training Division, said "the preliminary numbers show an increase 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."

It should be noted that last year's Fourth of July holiday period was a two-day period, and this year's was a five-day period. The 2013 Fourth of July holiday weekend ran from 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 3rd to 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, July 7th.