The Michigan State Police (MSP) confirmed today that preliminary reports indicate six people lost their lives in six separate traffic crashes during the 2007 Thanksgiving holiday weekend.  In comparison, 21 people died in traffic crashes during the 2006 Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

Of the six victims, three were known to have been restrained by safety belts, and alcohol was not a factor in any of the crashes.

"These numbers are preliminary and only reflect those fatalities reported to the MSP as of noon today," stated Capt. Robert R. Powers, Jr., Commander of the MSP Traffic Safety Division.  "This reduction in fatalities reflects the coordinated effort between law enforcement and the motoring public. It is the goal of the MSP to continue our enforcement and education efforts so that this positive trend will continue through the holidays and into 2008."      

The 2007 Thanksgiving holiday weekend ran from 6 p.m. on Wednesday, November 21, through midnight on Sunday, November 25, 2007.