September 8, 2004

EAST LANSING. The Michigan State Police confirmed today that preliminary reports indicate seven people lost their lives in six separate traffic crashes during the 2004 Labor Day holiday weekend. In comparison, 12 people died in traffic crashes during the 2003 Labor Day holiday period.

Four of the seven victims were known to have been restrained by safety belts, and alcohol was a known factor in two of the six fatal crashes.

"These numbers are preliminary and only reflect those fatalities reported to the Michigan State Police as of 9 a.m. today," stated Capt. Dan Smith, Commander, Special Operations Division, Michigan State Police. "The preliminary numbers show a significant decrease in fatalities from this same holiday period last year. The Michigan State Police continue to urge motorists to wear their safety belts and drive safely."

The 2004 Labor Day holiday weekend ran from 6 p.m. on Friday, September 3, through midnight, Monday, September 6, 2004.

Read more press releases from the Michigan State Police.