"This weekend, troopers will put special emphasis on dangerous driving behaviors, unbelted motorists and those driving under the influence," stated Col. Peter C. Munoz, director of the MSP.  "The final holiday weekend of the summer is a great time to travel, but please do so responsibly."

The official Labor Day weekend begins at 6 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 4, and runs through midnight on Monday, Sept. 7, 2009.  Last year, 12 fatal traffic crashes resulted in 12 deaths over the holiday weekend.  Of those who died, three were not wearing safety belts, 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.  

In addition to Operation C.A.R.E., MSP troopers are also joining nearly 300 law enforcement agencies across Michigan in the Drunk Driving. Over the Limit. Under Arrest. crackdown that uses federally funded overtime patrols to arrest drunk drivers.