May 28, 2002  The Michigan State Police confirmed today that preliminary reports show 10 people were killed as a result of 9 separate fatal traffic crashes during the 2002 Memorial Day holiday weekend period. Nineteen (19) persons were killed during this period last year.

Of the 10 persons killed, ten had safety belts available for use. Only four of the persons killed were confirmed to be wearing seatbelts. Alcohol was known to be a factor in four of the 9 fatal traffic crashes.

"These numbers are preliminary and only reflect those fatalities that have been reported to the Michigan State Police as of 3:00 p.m. today," stressed Capt. Dan Smith, Commander, Special Operations Division, Michigan State Police.

The 2002 Memorial Day holiday weekend period ran from 6 p.m., Friday, May 24, to 12 midnight, Monday, May 27, 2002.

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