EAST LANSING. The Michigan State Police (MSP) confirmed today that preliminary reports indicate nine people lost their lives in eight separate traffic crashes during the 2009 Thanksgiving holiday period. In comparison, 13 people died in nine separate traffic crashes during the 2008 Thanksgiving holiday period.
Of the six victims with restraints available, it was found that one victim was not using any type of restraint and two had unknown restraint usage. Alcohol was a known factor in one of the fatal crashes.
"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 2009 Thanksgiving holiday weekend ran from 6 p.m. on Wed., Nov. 25, 2009, through midnight on Sun., Nov. 29, 2009.