Extra Patrols Watch for Thanksgiving Weekend Drunks

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Michigan State Police are putting on extra patrols throughout the holiday weekend, traditionally the second-deadliest on the state’s roads.

The State Police agency is participating in Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Initiative), beginning Wednesday, Nov. 25, through Sunday, Nov. 29, according to a news release.

In 2014, six people died in Thanksgiving holiday traffic fatalities, half as many as the yer prior, when 12 people died. Last year was the lowest number of fatalities over the Thanksgiving holiday period in more than 40 years, the MSP said.

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The MSP said its high-visibility enforcement effort will focus on impaired driving, seat belt use, careless driving and speeding.

Federal highway traffic safety funds coordinated by the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning

The MSP is partnering with the Michigan Licensed Beverage Association to distribute drink coasters with the tagline, “Safety is Your Best Defense,” to member bars and restaurants. Thanksgiving Eve is one of the busiest bar nights of the year.

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.

» Photo by houstondwiPhotos mp via Flickr / Creative Commons