August 30, 2006

East Lansing -  With the final summer holiday nearing, Michigan State Police (MSP) troopers will be out in full force through Labor Day weekend to keep motorists safe as part of the nationwide traffic safety initiative, Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort).

MSP troopers will also join more than 500 Michigan law enforcement agencies in the "You Drink & Drive. You Lose." drunk driving enforcement campaign.

"So far this year, we have experienced a decrease in fatalities on Michigan’s roadways, and we want to continue that trend through this weekend," stated Col. Peter C. Munoz, director of the MSP. "Troopers will be out enforcing the state ’s safety belt law and will be taking a zero tolerance approach when it comes to drunk drivers, as well as those motorists who are endangering others by driving in a reckless and unsafe manner."

The official Labor Day weekend begins at 6 p.m. on Friday, September 1, and runs through midnight, on Monday, September 4, 2006. Last year, there were 15 fatal traffic crashes resulting in 15 deaths over the Labor Day holiday weekend.

Operation C.A.R.E. is a nationwide traffic safety initiative that began in 1977. It includes state police and highway patrol agencies from all 50 states and Canada.

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