LANSING - With the holiday weekend quickly approaching the Michigan State Police (MSP) wants to motorists to be cautious while driving on the road for the fourth of July. Operation Crash Awareness and Reduction Efforts and the state troopers will come together for in order to keep citizens safe from traffic fatalities and injuries.

“Help make this holiday enjoyable for everyone who is using Michigan’s roads,” said Col. Joe Gasper, director of the MSP. “We know that wearing a seatbelt can save your life; buckle up every single time and never get behind the wheel after drinking.”

The fourth of July holiday will officially kick off at 12:01 am on Wednesday, July 3rd, and ends at 11:59 pm on Friday, July 5th; although the holiday will end on Friday the troopers will be patrolling through Sunday, July 7th.

Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over campaign has already begun and will run from July 1st-14th across the state. Officers will be on the look out for drivers under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

“Driving while impaired is completely preventable as are the deaths and injuries that result from this behavior,” said Michael Prince, Office for Highway Safety Planning Director.  “The campaign is designed to inform the public that additional patrols will be out in force, and they should make alternate arrangements for transportation before drinking.  There is absolutely zero tolerance for impaired driving in Michigan.”

The State of Michigan want residents to honor the fourth of July with caution and a plan to get home safely if under the influence.