2011 Sees Fewer Traffic Fatalities Over Memorial Weekend

LANSING (WWJ) -  Fewer traffic fatalities reported this Memorial Day holiday weekend in comparison to the same holiday weekend last year.

Michigan State Police reports the results of preliminary reports indicating that 10 people lost their lives in eight separate traffic crashes during this years holiday weekend.

Of the 10 fatalities, two of the victims did not have on safety belts and alcohol was a known factor in four of the crashes.

"These numbers are preliminary and only reflect those fatalities reported to the MSP as of 9:00 a.m. Tuesday," said Captain Harold J. Love, commander of the MSP Traffic Safety Division.  "The preliminary numbers show a decrease in fatalities from this same holiday period last year.  The MSP continues to urge motorists not to drink and drive, to always use proper restraints, and to drive safely."

The 2011 Memorial Day holiday weekend ran from 6 p.m. on Friday, May 27, through midnight on Monday, May 30, 2011.