Snow greets travelers

MARQUETTE - Thanksgiving travelers heading home over the weekend are facing some snow, with it forecasted to fall through Sunday.

The National Weather Service predicts a good chance of snow today and Sunday, with a slight chance of snow showers all the way through Thursday.

Troopers at the Negaunee post of the Michigan State Police reported no accidents early Friday, but said snow in the Houghton and Hancock area was causing slippery roads and fender-benders there.

If that wasn't enough reason to be careful on the roads, the Michigan State Police also is joining law enforcement agencies nationwide this weekend to watch for traffic violations like speeding, drunk driving and not wearing a seat belt.

Operation CARE, which stands for combined accident reduction effort, is a traffic safety initiative aimed at reducing traffic crashes and fatalities during the Thanksgiving holiday.

Troopers will join more than 150 Michigan law enforcement agencies in looking for unbelted motorists and drunk drivers on additional patrols, according to a statement from the state police.

At the Negaunee post, troopers are encouraged to be visible on the highways and spend their time looking for traffic violations, police said.

"Thanksgiving is an occasion to spend time with family and friends, but it is also one of the most traveled holidays of the year," Col. Peter C. Munoz, director of the MSP, said in the statement. "To ensure it is enjoyable, please drive responsibly and don't forget to buckle up."

The official Thanksgiving holiday runs through midnight Sunday. Last year, there were 11 fatalities over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. Alcohol was a factor in one of the crashes and four other victims were not wearing safety belts, according to police.

State agencies also are reminding drivers to slow down and keep emergency kits in their cars in wintertime.

While most U.P. residents are familiar with how to drive in winter weather, sometimes accidents can't be avoided, so it's best to be prepared.

Terrence L. Jungel, executive director of the Michigan Sheriff's Association, advised drivers to keep an emergency kit that includes a blanket or warm clothes, a flashlight, jumper cables, tow rope, shovel, and a bag of sand or cat litter for traction.

"Too often deputies who respond to accident scenes find the driver or passengers are not prepared for winter weather, such as not being dressed for freezing temperatures or not having the right equipment to help themselves," Jungel said in a written statement. "A fun winter outing can quickly become miserable, or even life-threatening, if your vehicle gets stuck or breaks down far from help."