Last year, there were 11 fatal traffic crashes in Michigan.
MICHIGAN -- Beginning at 6 p.m. Wednesday, the Michigan State Police will be participating in Operation Care, Combined Accident Reduction Effort. This is a traffic safety initiative aimed at reducing traffic crashes and fatalities during the Thanksgiving holiday.
MSP troopers will also be looking for unbelted motorists and drunk drivers as part of additional patrols funded by the Office of Highway Safety Planning.
The official Thanksgiving holiday weekend begins at 6 p.m. on Wednesday and runs through midnight on Sunday, November 30.
Last year, there were 11 fatal crashes resulting in 11 deaths over the Thanksgiving weekend in Michigan. Alcohol was a factor in one of the crashes and four other victims were no wearing safety belts.
Meanwhile in Wisconsin, the weather is expected to be good and gasoline prices are down dramatically so traveling to grandma's house for Thanksgiving should be easier.
But AAA Wisconsin predicts fewer people intend to do it this year.
The auto club predicts 6.2 million people will travel at least 50 miles by auto in the Great Lakes region, which includes Wisconsin, for Thursday's holiday, or about 1 percent fewer than a year ago.
AAA says it's the first decline for the turkey day feast since 2002.
AAA Wisconsin Regional President Tom Frymark says because of the country's economic hardships, people are cutting back and that includes travel.
Gasoline prices averaged $1.85 a gallon in Wisconsin Thursday, compared with $3.12 a year ago. In July, the average price was a record $4.11.
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