LANSING, MICH. As motorists across Michigan prepare for a Thanksgiving holiday filled with travel, food, family and football, the Michigan State Police (MSP) is gearing up for the annual Operation CARE (Combined Accident Reduction Effort) traffic safety initiative Nov. 25-29.

“Our goal is to prevent traffic crashes and fatalities so every family can have a safe holiday – or as we like to say, so everyone can live to eat the leftovers,” said Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue, director of the MSP. “Make sure your Thanksgiving to-do list includes wearing a seat belt, designating a sober driver and avoiding distractions like talking on your phone while driving.”

Thanksgiving is the second deadliest holiday in Michigan for traffic crashes. In 2014, there were six traffic fatalities during the Thanksgiving holiday, which was a significant decrease from 12 deaths that occurred during the 2013 Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Last year recorded the lowest number of fatalities over the Thanksgiving holiday period in more than 40 years.

Beginning Wednesday, troopers across the state will conduct high-visibility enforcement focusing on impaired driving, seat belt use, careless driving and speeding. Extra patrols are paid for with federal traffic safety funds coordinated by the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning.

Enforcement is supported by the Give thanks. Drive safely. public awareness campaign. Each campaign element features illustrations of traditional Thanksgiving items to create a connection between driving safely and enjoying the holiday.

This year to further publicize the effort, the MSP has partnered with the Michigan Licensed Beverage Association to distribute drink coasters with the tag line, ‘Safety is Your Best Defense’ to their member bars and restaurants. This partnership provides an added push to encourage safe and responsible driving, especially given that the night before Thanksgiving has the reputation as a popular night to frequent bars and other drinking establishments.

The Michigan Secretary of State is supporting the effort by placing campaign materials in its branch offices and the Michigan Department of Transportation will have banners and posters at rest areas and welcome centers.

With the arrival of winter weather, motorists are also encouraged to take extra precautions when driving in snowy and icy conditions and to place an emergency preparedness kit in their vehicles. To learn more about creating a kit, go to www.michigan.gov/miready.

Operation CARE is a nationwide initiative aimed at reducing traffic crashes and fatalities on highways across the country. It began in 1977 as a collaborative effort between the MSP and the Indiana State Police. Today Operation CARE is one of the nation’s longest running traffic safety initiatives and includes state and highway patrol agencies from all 50 states, as well as some American territories and Canadian provinces.