May 24, 2006

East Lansing - The Michigan State Police (MSP) want to remind motorists that additional patrols will continue through midnight on Memorial Day in an effort to ensure a safe holiday weekend for Michigan residents and visitors. Since Monday, troopers have been out in force enforcing the state’s traffic laws as part of the Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort) All-American Buckle-Up Week.

"This summer, the Michigan State Police would like to see a reduction in the number of traffic fatalities on our roadways," stated Col. Tadarial J. Sturdivant, director of the Michigan State Police. "As more people take to the roads, starting with the Memorial Day weekend, troopers will be out enforcing Michigan’s safety belt and drunk driving laws, as well as looking for motorists who are driving in a reckless and unsafe manner."

Troopers will also participate in the statewide Buckle Up or Pay Up, Click It or Ticket safety belt mobilization.

The official Memorial Day weekend begins at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 26, and runs through midnight, on Monday, May 29, 2006. Last year, there were 10 fatal traffic crashes resulting in 14 deaths over the Memorial Day holiday weekend. Of the 10 fatal crashes, four involved alcohol and three of the deceased were not wearing their safety belts.

Note: During the Memorial Day Holiday weekend, the media is encouraged to contact their local Michigan State Police post for the latest in holiday traffic information.

Read more news releases from the Michigan State Police.