Holiday car deaths total 32 in 2 states

12/3/2002

At least 32 people died in accidents in Ohio and Michigan during the Thanksgiving holiday this year, law enforcement officials said yesterday.

In Ohio 19 people were killed, nearly double the number who died in accidents during the same time last year, the Ohio State Highway Patrol said. Lt. Gary Lewis said 10 people died last year between the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after. Of those killed this year, 11 people weren't wearing seat belts. One pedestrian was killed. Alcohol was a factor in at least four of the 17 fatal crashes.

Michigan State Police said at least 13 people were killed during the holiday weekend.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.