Michigan State Police Increasing Patrols For Holidays

MICHIGAN — Michigan State Police troopers will be doing extra patrolling this holiday season.

During this last full weekend before Christmas, the MSP will join other state police and highway patrol agencies from across the country in an effort to make travel safer. It’s called the annual Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness and Reduction Efforts) Lifesaver Weekend and the goal is to reduce traffic injuries and fatalities resulting from crashes caused by dangerous driving behaviors, police said.

“The holidays are a busy time for us all. This weekend, and always, buckle up and put your phone down,” said Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue, director of the MSP. “Troopers will be on the roads to help make sure you get to your destination safely. Distracted, impaired and drugged driving will not be tolerated.”

Operation C.A.R.E. Lifesaver Weekend begins at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 21, and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018. Last year, four fatal traffic crashes resulted in four deaths over the Lifesaver Weekend.

Operation C.A.R.E. is a nationwide initiative aimed at reducing traffic crashes and fatalities on highways across the country. It began in 1977 as a collaborative effort between the MSP and the Indiana State Police. Today Operation C.A.R.E. is one of the nation’s longest running traffic safety initiatives and includes state and highway patrol agencies from all 50 states, as well as some American territories and Canadian provinces. Operation C.A.R.E. also includes participation from police agencies affiliated with the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) as well.

Image via Michigan State Police