State Police: Nine Killed, 351 Injured in Holiday Travel Crashes

Nine people died and 351 others were injured in 783 crashes investigated by the during the Sept. 2-5 Labor Day holiday driving period, Commissioner Frank Noonan said in a release Tuesday.

Of the total crashes, 80 were alcohol-related, including five of the fatal crashes, according to the release.

“All of those killed over the weekend were not wearing seat belts,” Noonan said. “It astonishes me that in 2011, some people still don’t use seat belts. Please buckle up; not only is it the law, seat belts really do save lives.”

Failure to properly wear a seat belt remains one of the leading causes of death and serious injury in crashes. Troopers cited 673 people for failing to wear seat belts.

During the four-day holiday travel period, troopers arrested 438 persons for driving under the influence, issued 6,713 speeding citations, and issued 102 citations for not securing children in safety seats.

“Drivers must insist that all passengers wear a seat belt,” said Noonan. “They work best when everyone is buckled and children are properly restrained in the back seat.”

During last year’s Labor Day holiday travel period (Sept. 3-6, 2010), nine people died and 271 others were injured in 754 crashes investigated by troopers.