Beginning Monday, Michigan State Police (MSP) troopers will be out in force concentrating their efforts on ensuring traffic safety during the nationwide Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort)All-American Buckle-Up Week. MSP troopers will join their counterparts at other state police and highway patrol agencies across the United States and Canada in this enforcement effort, which officially begins at 6 p.m. on May 22, and runs through midnight on Monday, May 29, 2006.

During this same period. Troopers will also be participating in the statewide Buckle Up or Pay Up, safety belt mobilization, which includes 572 law enforcement agencies from across the state who will make safety belt enforcement a priority.

"Traffic safety programs like Operation C.A.R.E and Click It or Ticket use education and enforcement to promote safe driving habits and ultimately save lives," stated Colonel Tadarial J. Sturdivant, director of the MSP. "This week is important because the Memorial Day holiday marks the start of what will hopefully be a safe and enjoyable summer driving season for Michigan’s residents and guests."

Operation C.A.R.E. is a nationwide traffic safety initiative that began in 1977. It includes state police and highway patrol agencies from all 50 states and Canada. All-American Buckle-Up week is the first of six Operation C.A.R.E. holiday enforcement periods that occur throughout the year.

Note: During All-American Buckle-Up Week, the media is encouraged to contact their local MSP post for the latest in holiday traffic information.