LANSING — Michigan State Police (MSP) confirmed Wednesday that preliminary reports indicate four people lost their lives in four separate traffic crashes during the 2012 Lifesaver holiday weekend.

By comparison, eight people died in eight separate traffic crashes during the 2011 Lifesaver holiday weekend.

The 2012 Lifesaver holiday weekend ran from 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 21, through midnight on Sunday, Dec. 23.

Alcohol was a known factor in three of the four fatal crashes, and three of the four victims were not using seatbelt restraints.

“These numbers are preliminary and only reflect those fatalities reported to the Michigan State Police as of 11 a.m. today,” stated Capt. Kari Kusmierz, commander of the MSP Training Division.  “Even though these preliminary numbers show a decrease in fatalities from this same holiday period last year, the Michigan State Police continues to urge motorists not drink and drive, to always use proper restraints and to drive safely.”