MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL
A Division Of The
Department of Public Safety
Public Information and Education Division - PO Box 568 - Jefferson City, MO 65102

NEWS RELEASE

For further information please contact: Capt. J. Tim Hull
Q8103 (573) 526-6115

August 13, 2010
EMPHASIS: Enjoy A Safe Labor Day Holiday!

Labor Day weekend is fast approaching. Many families will plan one last special outing to mark the end of summer. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reminds motorists to expect a change in traffic patterns during the Labor Day weekend.

The Labor Day counting period will begin at 6 p.m. on Friday, September 3, and end at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, September 6, 2010. The Patrol, along with local law enforcement, will participate in Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort), as well as 10-Mile Trooper projects during this holiday weekend.

Colonel Ron Replogle, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, urges drivers to obey Missouri’s traffic laws, and watch for changes in traffic patterns due to the number of travelers or road construction. “Every available trooper will patrol the roadways during this holiday weekend. In addition to enforcing traffic laws, troopers will offer assistance to the public where needed. The 10-Mile Trooper projects are scheduled for portions of U.S. Highways 36 and 60, and Interstates 29, 35, 44, 55, and 70, in an effort to increase awareness and safety.”

If alcohol is part of your Labor Day holiday celebration, don’t drink and drive. Getting arrested could be the least of your concerns. There are court costs, medical bills, or perhaps jail time. If you kill or injure someone, you’ll pay a price for the rest of your life.
If you choose to drink this Labor Day holiday, choose a designated driver.

"Drunk driving will not be tolerated,” said Colonel Replogle. "Troopers will remain vigilant in their mission to remove intoxicated drivers from Missouri’s roadways.”

Last year, eight people were killed and 487 persons were injured in 1,133 traffic crashes occurring during the Labor Day holiday counting period. That is one person killed or injured every 9.5 minutes. Over the past five years (2005-2009), 60 persons were killed and 2,482 were injured in Labor Day holiday crashes.

Travelers needing assistance, or wanting to report a drunk or careless driver, illegal activity on the highways, or a stalled motorist can call the Patrol's Emergency Hotline at 1-800-525-5555 or, on a cellular phone, dial *55. To receive the latest road conditions for major Missouri highways, motorists may call the Patrol's Road Condition Hotline at 1-800-222-6400 or (573) 526-8828.
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