The Michigan State Police (MSP) confirmed today that preliminary reports indicate seven people lost their lives in seven separate traffic crashes over the July Fourth holiday weekend. In comparison, four people died in traffic crashes during this period last year.
Three of the seven victims were known to have been restrained by safety belts, and alcohol was a known factor in one of the seven fatal crashes.
"These preliminary numbers show an increase in fatalities from last year, but it should not be cause for alarm, as fatalities have been trending downward for some time," stated Capt. Robert R. Powers, Jr., commander of the MSP Traffic Safety Division. "With the support and cooperation of motorists, law enforcement remains devoted to preventing tragedies on our roadways."
The July Fourth holiday weekend ran from 6 p.m. on July 3, through midnight on Sunday, July 6, 2008.