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MSP adding patrols, encouraging safe driving for holiday

Posted at 4:30 PM, Nov 24, 2015
and last updated 2015-11-24 17:10:47-05

LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Extra state police patrols are coming to Michigan roads and highways over the Thanksgiving holiday period.

Troopers on Wednesday will start high-visibility enforcement that will focus on impaired driving, seat belt use, careless driving and speeding.

The annual crackdown runs through Sunday.

Officials say Thanksgiving is Michigan's second deadliest holiday in terms of traffic crashes. Six people were killed last year during the Thanksgiving holiday period. Over Thanksgiving 2013, a dozen deaths resulted from crashes.

Dearborn-based AAA Michigan expects more than 1.5 million state residents to travel 50 miles or more from home over the holiday.

The auto club also says the state likely will see the lowest Thanksgiving gas prices since 2008. Prices at some Detroit-area stations were below $2 per gallon Tuesday.