"Michigan motorists have already experienced the benefits of wearing a safety belt," stated Col. Peter C. Munoz, director of the MSP.  "Our state boasts the highest safety belt use rate in the nation at 97.2 percent, and traffic fatalities have dipped to their lowest point since 1925."

Operation C.A.R.E. began in 1977 as a collaborative effort between the Michigan State Police and Indiana State Police, and is one of the nation's longest-running traffic safety initiatives.  Today, it includes state and highway patrol agencies from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Ontario Provincial Police, the Quebec Police Force and the Virgin Islands.   

During this same period, troopers will also take part in the statewide Buckle Up or Pay Up: Click It or Ticket safety belt mobilization that runs through May 31. 

"Remember to start your travels with safety in mind by buckling up and driving responsibly," Munoz added.