Operation C.A.R.E.

Secretary of State helping to promote key traffic safety effort by State Police

As motorists across Michigan prepare for a Thanksgiving holiday filled with travel, food and family, the Michigan State Police (MSP) is conducting Michigan’s largest Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort) traffic enforcement initiative Nov. 26-30.

“Our goal is to prevent traffic crashes and fatalities so every family can celebrate a safe holiday season,” said Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue, director of the MSP. “With extra troopers on patrol, make sure your Thanksgiving to-do list includes wearing a seat belt, designating a sober driver and avoiding distractions like talking on your phone while driving.”

Thanksgiving is the second deadliest holiday in Michigan for traffic crashes. In 2013, there were 12 traffic fatalities during the Thanksgiving holiday -- a 30 percent increase from nine fatalities in 2012. Beginning Wednesday, troopers across the state will conduct high-visibility enforcement focusing on impaired driving, seat belt use, careless driving and speeding. The extra patrols are paid for with federal traffic safety funds coordinated by the Michigan Office of Highway Safety Planning. The effort is supported by the "Give thanks. Drive safely." public awareness campaign that includes a public service announcement available at this link. Each campaign element features illustrations of traditional Thanksgiving items to create a connection between driving safely and enjoying the holiday. In addition, Michigan Secretary of State Ruth Johnson is supporting the effort by placing campaign materials in her branch offices and the Michigan Department of Transportation will display safe driving reminders on its freeway message boards and at rest areas throughout the busy travel weekend. Operation C.A.R.E. is a nationwide initiative aimed at reducing traffic crashes and fatalities on highways across the country. It began in 1977 as a collaborative effort between the MSP and the Indiana State Police. Today, Operation C.A.R.E. is one of the nation’s longest running traffic safety initiatives and includes state and highway patrol agencies from all 50 states, as well as some American territories and Canadian provinces.

Food drive concludes Nov. 26

As part of Michigan Harvest Gathering, all Secretary of State offices will collect nonperishable food donations through Nov. 26 to help needy families in the state.

People are asked to donate items such as peanut butter, canned tuna and other meat, and canned fruits, vegetables and soups. All nonperishable food items are welcome. Cash donations are also encouraged.

In Michigan, 17 percent of households struggle to put food on the table and over 22 percent of children do not know where their next meal will come from, according to the Food Bank Council of Michigan.

SOS offices closed, ExpressSOS open 24/7

Secretary Johnson reminds residents that all branch offices and the Office of the Great Seal will be closed in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.

All offices will be closed on Thursday, Nov. 27, Friday, Nov. 28, and SUPER!Centers will be closed on Saturday, Nov. 29.

Most people renewing license plates, driver’s licenses and ID cards can do business online 24/7 at www.ExpressSOS.com.

License plate tabs can also be renewed at Self-Service Stations, many of which are available around the clock.

"Pay it forward"

A true story told by Secretary of State Region Manager Terrence Wilks:

"We have a story that will certainly make you feel good about the human spirit as we roll into the holiday season. Last week, a young man resplendent in his military dress uniform was waiting for his mother at the Van Buren County PLUS office. The young soldier and his mother had purchased a vehicle together and were in the process of transferring the title and registering the car. 

A female customer at the office noticed the soldier and indicated to one of our clerks that she would like to anonymously pay for his transaction to thank him for his service to our great nation. The clerk explained the cost could be a significant amount, as the young soldier was transferring a title, paying taxes and purchasing a plate, however she was insistent that she be allowed to “pay it forward.” The customer provided the branch with $500, asking us to pay for the soldier’s transaction and return any change to the soldier, only telling him that an anonymous American had paid for his transaction to thank him for his service to our country.

When the soldier’s mother arrived, they were called to the counter and their transaction processed (with some change returned to the soldier). To their amazement, they were told there would be no charge as the transaction had been paid for by a customer who wished to remain anonymous to thank the young soldier for his service. The soldier and his mother were clearly touched by the anonymous generosity and he stated that he would pay this kind gesture forward.

Truly a story that shows there are people who live the life we all strive to live."