"This weekend, troopers will put special emphasis on looking for dangerous driving behaviors, unbelted motorists and those driving under the influence," stated Col. Eddie L. Washington, Jr., director of the MSP.  "The final holiday weekend of the summer is a great time to travel, but it's important to do so responsibly."

The official Labor Day weekend begins at 6 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 3, and runs through midnight on Monday, Sept. 6, 2010.  Last year, there were 15 fatal traffic crashes that resulted in 16 deaths during this period.  Of those who died, three were not wearing any type of restraint, and alcohol was a known factor in four of the crashes.

Operation C.A.R.E., which began in 1977, is one of the nation's longest running traffic safety initiatives.  It began as a collaborative effort between the MSP and Indiana State Police, and has grown to include 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.

During this same time, troopers will also take part in the statewide Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest. crackdown, which continues through Sept. 6.  More than 200 law enforcement agencies in 30 counties are participating, with extra patrols funded by Office of Highway Safety Planning using federal traffic safety dollars in an effort to deter motorists from driving drunk.