State Police See Decrease in Fatalities During Thanksgiving Weekend

The Michigan State Police confirmed yesterday that preliminary reports indicate six people lost their lives in six separate traffic crashes during the 2011 Thanksgiving holiday weekend. In comparison, 10 people died in traffic crashes during the 2010 Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

Two of the victims were pedestrians, of the other four victims, it could be determined that two were wearing seatbelts and one was unrestrained.

"These numbers are preliminary and only reflect those fatalities reported to the MSP as of 9:30 a.m. today," stated Capt. Kari Kusmierz, commander of the MSP Training Division. "While preliminary numbers show a decrease in fatalities from this same holiday period last year, law enforcement will continue promoting traffic safety by reminding motorists not to drink and drive, to always use proper restraints and drive safely."

The 2011 Thanksgiving holiday weekend ran from 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 23, through midnight on Sunday, Nov. 27, 2011.