September 2, 2008

EAST LANSING. The Michigan State Police (MSP) announced today that preliminary reports indicate six people lost their lives in six separate traffic crashes during the 2008 Labor Day holiday weekend. In comparison, 12 people died in traffic crashes during the 2007 Labor Day holiday weekend.

Alcohol was a known factor in two of the six fatal crashes. Two of the four victims with safety belts available to them were known to have been properly restrained.

"These numbers are preliminary and only reflect those fatalities reported to the Michigan State Police as of noon today," stated Capt. Robert R. Powers, Jr., commander of the MSP Traffic Safety Division. "The preliminary numbers show a decrease in fatalities from this same holiday period last year. The Michigan State Police continue to urge motorists to not drink and drive, wear their safety belts, and drive safely."

The 2008 Labor Day holiday weekend ran from 6 p.m. on Friday, August 29, through midnight, Monday, Sept. 1, 2008.