As motorist prepare to hit the highways for the Thanksgiving holiday, the Michigan State Police is preparing for the annual Operation Care Awareness and Reduction traffic safety iniative November 22-26.

Troopers across the state point out that Thanksgiving is the second deadliest holiday in Michigan for traffic crashes.

"we urge you to make safety a priority this Thanksgiving weekend and always,"  said Colonel Kriste Kibbey Etue, director of the Michigan State Police.

Motorist are also encouraged to take extra precaution when driving in snowy and icy conditions and to place an emergency preparedness kit in their vehicle.