Nobody wants you to make it safely to your Thanksgiving Day table safely more than the Michigan State Police and that is why they are kicking off a new round of Operation CARE today, to help maximize your opportunity to travel the roads safely.
As you prepare to travel Michigan roads for the Thanksgiving holiday, Michigan State Police troopers will be on patrol as part of Operation Crash Awareness and Reduction Efforts — or simply CARE — to encourage safe and responsible driving.
Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue is Director of the Michigan State Police and she says, “We want everyone to make it to their Thanksgiving destination safely.” She strongly encourages all of us to, “Buckle up, put your phone down and always designate a sober driver, and if you see emergency vehicles or other workers on the side of the road, please slow down and give a lane.”
Thanksgiving is one of the deadliest holidays in Michigan for traffic crashes. In 2017, there were 11 fatalities during the holiday period. Out of the 11 fatalities, two were pedestrians, three were passengers and six crashes involved alcohol.
Beginning today and running through Sunday, November 25th, troopers across the state will conduct high-visibility enforcement focused on impaired driving, seat belt use, careless driving and speeding.
Operation CARE 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 CARE 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 CARE also includes participation from police agencies affiliated with the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) as well.
You have been duly warned. Be safe or face the consequences over the next several days.
