December 19, 2005

East Lansing - Preliminary reports released today by the Michigan State Police (MSP) indicate four people lost their lives in four separate traffic crashes during the 2005 Operation C.A.R.E. Lifesaver weekend. In comparison, 11 people died in traffic crashes during the 2004 Operation C.A.R.E. Lifesaver weekend.

All four of the victims killed were restrained by safety belts and alcohol was a known factor in one of the four fatal crashes.

"These numbers are preliminary and only reflect those fatalities reported to the Michigan State Police as of 11 a.m. today," stated Capt. Daniel Atkinson, commander of the MSP Field Operations Division. "The preliminary numbers show a significant decrease in fatalities from this same period last year. Similar to this last weekend, Michigan has experienced fewer fatalities overall this year compared to last year. This downward trend in traffic fatalities is encouraging and challenges law enforcement and motorists alike to continue this positive trend into 2006."

The 2005 Operation C.A.R.E. Lifesaver weekend ran from 6 p.m. on Friday, December 16, through midnight, Sunday, December 18, 2005.

Read more news releases from the Michigan State Police.