4th of July road patrols begin

LANSING.  This Fourth of July, the Michigan State Police (MSP) is again
reminding motorists to make safety a priority during their holiday
travel.  For the 35th consecutive year, MSP troopers are joining other
state police and highway patrol agencies in the international traffic
safety initiative, Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction
Effort).

“Our goal is to prevent the traffic crashes that lead to serious
injuries and fatalities by utilizing a strict enforcement stance on
drivers who are operating under the influence of alcohol, not using
proper restraints or exhibiting distracted or drowsy driving
behaviors,” stated Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue, director of the MSP.
“The Michigan State Police was one of the founding members of
Operation C.A.R.E. 35 years ago, and we’re pleased to continue to
support this internally recognized traffic safety initiative.”

The official Fourth of July holiday period begins at 6 p.m. on Tuesday,
July 3, and runs through midnight on Sunday, July 8, 2012.  Last year,
eight fatal traffic crashes resulted in eight deaths over the four-day
holiday weekend.