"Be warned that troopers throughout Michigan will take a zero tolerance approach to drivers who are operating under the influence of alcohol or drugs or driving in an otherwise reckless manner," stated Col. Peter C. Munoz, director of the MSP.  "We will also be on the lookout for unbuckled motorists, so don't forget to wear your safety belt, designate a sober driver, and make this a pleasant and memorable Independence Day."

Today, a new law takes effect in Michigan mandating that all children be in a booster seat until they are 8 years old or 4'9" tall to protect young occupants in the event of a crash.  Children must be in a seat until they reach the age requirement or the height requirement, whichever comes first.

The official holiday weekend begins at 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 3, and runs through midnight, on Sunday, July 6, 2008.  During this period last year, there were four fatal traffic crashes resulting in four deaths.

Operation C.A.R.E. began in 1977 as a collaborative effort between the MSP and Indiana State Police, and is one of the nation's longest-running traffic safety initiatives.  Today, it includes state and highway patrol agencies from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, the Ontario Provincial Police, the Quebec Police Force and the Virgin Islands.