Two persons were killed and 196 others were injured in the 527 crashes investigated by the state police during the three-day Easter holiday driving period, Commissioner Frank Noonan said today.

"The two deaths represent a decrease from the eight fatalities recorded in crashes investigated by troopers during last year's Easter holiday travel period," Noonan said. "Nonetheless, we will never rest in our efforts to reduce the numbers of crashes, injuries and fatalities on our highways."Noonan said neither of the persons killed this year was wearing a seat belt. He also noted that 72 of the 527 crashes were alcohol-related.The Easter driving period covered Friday, April 22, through Sunday, April 24. During those three days, state police issued 3,463 speeding citations, charged 251 people with driving under the influence (DUI), cited 396 individuals for not wearing seat belts, and ticketed 43 motorists for not securing children in safety seats.During the 2010 Easter driving period, which covered April 2-4, eight people were killed and 247 others were injured in 561 crashes investigated by troopers.