19 Die In Michigan Traffic Wrecks Over The Holidays

LANSING (WWJ) - Alcohol played a major role in auto accidents over the holidays.

That's according to a preliminary report from the Michigan State Police Criminal Justice Information Center that reveals 10 people died in traffic crashes in Michigan over the New Year's holiday period -- between Dec. 28 and Jan. 1.

Nine people were killed over the Christmas holiday, starting Dec. 21 and ending on Dec. 25. State police report half of the New Year's deaths involved alcohol and five of the Christmas deaths were alcohol-related.

WWJ Newsradio 950's Chrystal Knight spoke with Anne Reidett of the Office of Highway Safety Planning.

"People certainly are aware of what they should do. Unfortunately  many, many people think that they are that exception; that after they've been drinking they are OK to drive," Reidett said.

In addition, Reidett said some of those who died in traffic wrecks over the holidays would have survived had they been wearing seatbelts.

Reidett said the stats released on Thursday were preliminary numbers and were expected to increase.

A year ago, 22 people died in crashes during the holidays.