MSP Urge Holiday Travelers to Buckle Up, Drive Safely

This Thanksgiving holiday weekend, Michigan State Police (MSP) Troopers will be patrolling roads as part of the nationwide Operation C.A.R.E (Combined Accident Reduction Effort) traffic safety initiative.

"Throughout the weekend, troopers will be watching for unsafe driving behaviors, such as speeding, driving under the influence, and failing to use passenger restraints," stated Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue, director of the MSP. "Our goal is to reduce traffic crashes and fatalities on Michigan's roadways during the Thanksgiving travel period so families can enjoy the holidays together."

The official Thanksgiving weekend begins at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2011 and runs through midnight on Sunday, Nov. 27, 2011. Last year, nine fatal crashes resulted in 10 deaths over the holiday period. Of those who died, five were not wearing safety belts, and alcohol was a known factor in three of the crashes.