November 20, 2006

East Lansing-  Beginning Wednesday at 6 p.m., the Michigan State Police (MSP) will join state police and highway patrol agencies from across the country and Canada in Operation CARE (Combined Accident Reduction Effort); a traffic safety initiative aimed at reducing traffic crashes and fatalities during the Thanksgiving holiday.

MSP troopers will also join over 115 Michigan law enforcement agencies in looking for unbelted motorists and drunk drivers as part of additional patrols funded by the Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP).

"Thanksgiving is an occasion to spend time with family and friends, but it is also one of the most traveled holidays of the year," said Colonel Peter C. Munoz, director of the MSP.  "Please drive responsibly and don't forget to buckle up."

The official Thanksgiving holiday weekend begins at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, November 22, and runs through midnight on Sunday, November 26.   Last year, there were 17 fatal traffic crashes resulting in 19 deaths over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. 

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