September 6, 2006

East Lansing - The Michigan State Police (MSP) confirmed today that preliminary reports indicate four people lost their lives in four separate traffic crashes during the 2006 Labor Day holiday weekend. In comparison, 15 people died in traffic crashes during the 2005 Labor Day holiday weekend.

None of the victims were known to have been restrained by safety belts with safety belt usage not applicable in one of the crashes. Alcohol was a known factor in one of the four fatal crashes.

"The preliminary numbers show a decrease in fatalities from this same holiday period last year," stated Capt. Daniel Atkinson, Commander of the MSP Field Operations Division. "This trend of lower traffic fatalities that we have experienced this year is encouraging and is proof that our enforcement and education efforts are making a difference. Through the continued combined efforts between law enforcement and Michigan’s motoring public, it is the hope of the Michigan State Police that this very positive trend of lower traffic fatalities will continue through 2006 and beyond."

The 2006 Labor Day holiday weekend ran from 6 p.m. on Friday, September 1, through midnight on Monday, September 4, 2006.