LANSING — Preliminary reports by the Michigan State Police show three people lost their lives in three separate traffic crashes during the 2017 Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness and Reduction Efforts) Lifesaver Weekend.

In comparison, seven people died in traffic crashes during the 2016 initiative.

The 2017 Operation C.A.R.E. Lifesaver Weekend ran from 12:01 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 15, through 11:59 p.m., on Sunday, Dec. 17, 2017. These preliminary numbers only reflect fatalities reported to the MSP as of 1 p.m. Monday, Dec. 18.

“This long running traffic safety initiative focuses on dangerous driving decisions and behaviors that result in serious injury and fatal traffic crashes,” said Lt. Jim Flegel, with the state services bureau. “The MSP continues to urge motorists to make responsible decisions behind the wheel, which include not driving while impaired, to always use proper restraints and to avoid all distractions.”

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.

Beginning this year, Operation C.A.R.E. includes participation from police agencies affiliated with the International Association of Chiefs of Police as well.