November 26, 2003

East Lansing - Throughout the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, Michigan State Police troopers will again team up with other state police and highway patrol agencies across the nation and Canada for Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort). Additionally, troopers will continue to unite with Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and local Michigan law enforcement for the "Tie One On for Safety" campaign throughout the entire holiday season.

The Thanksgiving holiday weekend traditionally is one of the most traveled holiday weekends of the year. State Police will have extra patrols on the roads this holiday weekend beginning at 6 p.m., Wednesday, November 26, through midnight, Sunday, November 30. "Troopers will be encouraged to continue to take a zero-tolerance approach to unbuckled motorists as part of the statewide ‘Click it or Ticket’ campaign," stated Colonel Tadarial J. Sturdivant, Director, Michigan State Police. "In addition, they will be paying special attention to drivers who are speeding and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Troopers in 20 counties will be working in safety belt enforcement zones along with local and county law enforcement, utilizing federal traffic safety funds."

Last year during this same holiday weekend there were 14 fatal crashes in Michigan, resulting in 16 deaths. Of these 16 persons killed, 44 percent were not wearing safety belts. Alcohol was a factor in 50 percent of those crashes.

Colonel Sturdivant stressed, "Thanksgiving is an occasion to enjoy spending time with your family. Please, Drive Michigan Safely; always wear your safety belt, buckle your children, don’t drink and drive, and obey all of Michigan’s traffic laws."

Note: During the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, the media are encouraged to contact their local Michigan State Police posts for the latest in holiday traffic information.

Read more press releases from the Michigan State Police.