When Michigan motorists arrive safely at their holiday gatherings this Thanksgiving they can give thanks in part to the additional law enforcement officers who will be on patrol this holiday weekend. Law enforcement across the state will be conducting daytime safety belt enforcement zones and nighttime impaired driving enforcement patrols Nov. 24-30.The Office of Highway Safety Planning (OHSP) administers federal traffic safety funds for high visibility enforcement to reduce traffic injuries and fatalities. Nearly 150 agencies in 25 counties are receiving federal funding for the Thanksgiving traffic enforcement activity.
"Traditionally, Thanksgiving is a time for family gatherings which leads to additional traffic on the roadways," OHSP Director Michael L. Prince said. "Michigan law enforcement will be out to ensure motorists buckle up and drive sober so everyone makes it home for the holidays."
Participating counties include: Allegan, Barry, Bay, Berrien, Cass, Delta, Genesee, Ionia, Jackson, Kalamazoo, Kent, Lapeer, Livingston, Macomb, Mason, Midland, Monroe, Montcalm, Oakland, Ottawa, St. Clair, St. Joseph, Van Buren, Washtenaw and Wayne.
Over the past five years, Michigan has averaged 15 traffic deaths during the Thanksgiving holiday period. During Thanksgiving weekend 2007, 11 people died in Michigan traffic crashes, according to the Michigan Department of State Police, Criminal Justice Information Center. Four of the people killed were not wearing safety belts and one fatality involved alcohol.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, safety belts are proven to reduce the risk of serious injury or death in a crash by 45 percent in a car and as much as 60 percent in pickup trucks and sport utility vehicles.
For a list of planned Thanksgiving patrol dates, times and locations, please visit www.michigan.gov/ohsp.
