For further information please contact: Capt. J. Tim Hull
Q12072 (573) 526-6115

December 10, 2007
EMPHASIS: Have A Safe Christmas Holiday!

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reminds travelers that holiday drivers will affect traffic patterns. If you’re planning a trip during the holiday, please keep this in mind. Check the weather forecast and plan accordingly. The Road Condition Report number is 1-800-222-6400. If bad weather is expected, make sure your vehicle is winterized. Allow extra time to reach your destination and obey all traffic laws.
Last year over the Christmas holiday, there were 936 traffic crashes during the counting period. In those crashes, six people were killed and another 382 were injured. This year’s traffic crash counting period begins at 6 p.m. on Friday, December 21, and ends at 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, December 25, 2007. Please remember to wear your seat belt, pay attention to your driving, and please, don’t drink and drive.
If faced with a traffic emergency, motorists can contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol at 1-800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone. This emergency number will ring into the nearest Highway Patrol headquarters. Motorists should use this number if their vehicle becomes disabled or they are involved in or witness a traffic crash or crime. They may also use the emergency number if they observe an erratic driver or pass a stranded motorist in need of assistance. Motorists can expect to see more marked patrol vehicles on the roadways this holiday season and in the future. More than 100 previously unmarked vehicles now have decals on the side to help increase visibility and further reduce traffic violations.
“All available officers will be on the roadway during this holiday season,” said Colonel James F. Keathley, superintendent of the Patrol. “We hope you’ll help us reach our goal of less than 1,000 traffic fatalities this year and next. Please wear a seat belt, be courteous to other drivers, obey the speed limits, pay attention, and refrain from drinking and driving. On behalf of the employees of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, I wish you a safe and happy holiday. We’re Saving Lives. Help Wanted.”


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