NILES, Mich – Michigan State Police are increasing their presence on the roadways during the holiday season.

The increased presence is a part of the 41-year-old program called “Operation Care” which aims to lower traffic deaths due to speeding, impaired driving and not wearing seatbelts.

“I think it’s a good idea protecting the people around here,” Niles resident and driver Ramiro Garcia said.  

The program is a collaborative effort with the Indiana State Police and began with the three traditional summer weekends and according to MSP expanded to Thanksgiving weekend due to its success.

“We’ve reduced a lot of the potential crashes that we thought that we would have,” Michigan state Police Sergeant John Miller said.

MSP says the program is already factored into the existing budget and the department will analyze this operations numbers after the program ends on Sunday night to search for improvements which in-turn will make the roadways safer.