While figures are still provisional, it appears a statewide law enforcement crackdown on unbuckled motorists has helped drive down traffic fatalities for the Labor Day weekend, according to figures compiled by the Michigan State Police, Criminal Justice Information Center.

Ten people were killed in traffic crashes over the Labor Day weekend, a stark contrast to past Labor Day weekends when the state has typically averaged seven fatalities per day. In 2001, the state recorded 20 traffic-related deaths over the Labor Day weekend.

"What was different? Strict enforcement of the seat belt law," said Betty J. Mercer, division director of the Michigan State Police, Office of Highway Safety Planning. "Word went out to the public from their local law enforcement agencies that verbal warnings just weren't changing behavior so tickets would be written."

An observation survey conducted following Memorial Day weekend this year showed seat belt use had slipped to 80 percent in Michigan, down from 82.3 percent following the Labor Day period in 2001. A new Labor Day survey is wrapping up, with results available in November.

"We won't have hard and fast numbers for some time, but we are extremely hopeful that the low number of deaths and a zero tolerance law enforcement commitment resulted in an increase in seat belt use," Mercer added. "These fatality figures are quite astounding, given that there was picture-perfect weather over the long holiday weekend. Contrary to what most drivers think, more traffic deaths occur in clear, dry weather."

During the last two weeks of August and into the Labor Day weekend, the Drive Michigan Safely Task Force, which consists of Michigan State Police, sheriff departments and local police agencies across the state, united to make seat belt enforcement a priority. The Task Force members are very pleased that the Labor Day weekend effort achieved such positive results for the safety of Michigan motorists.

Read more press releases from the Michigan State Police.