"Troopers will be on the look-out for motorists driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, driving recklessly and exhibiting other unsafe driving behaviors," stated Col. Peter C. Munoz, director of the MSP.  "Additionally, troopers will join officers across the state at safety belt enforcement zones that seek to educate the motoring public on the benefits of safety belt and child restraint use."

The official Memorial Day weekend begins at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 22, and runs through midnight on Monday, May 25.  Last year, 11 fatal traffic crashes resulted in 11 deaths over the Memorial Day weekend.  Of those who died, two were not wearing safety belts, and alcohol was a factor in two of the crashes.

Operation C.A.R.E. began in 1977 as a collaborative effort between the MSP 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, Ontario Provincial Police, Quebec Police Force and the Virgin Islands.