News Release



For further information please contact:

Sgt. Larry W. Plunkett, Jr (573) 840-9500

Larry.Plunkett@mshp.dps.mo.gov



#: 2005-04-02

Date: April 26, 2005



EMPHASIS: Troop E "Pass With Care" Totals Released





Captain George Ridens, Commanding Officer of Troop E, announced the enforcement totals from recent “Pass With Care” operations conducted in Troop E during the month of April. The operations were conducted in counties throughout Southeast Missouri and emphasized the 2002 statute requiring motorists to slow down and move over when approaching a stationary emergency vehicle with emergency equipment activated.



The projects were conducted over a two-week period and covered a total of 80 operational hours. The teams assigned made a total of 357 arrests, 63 for failing to yield, 101 for exceeding the posted speed limit, 99 seat belt violations, 3 careless and imprudent driving violations, 2 stop sign citations, 4 child restraint violations, 5 misdemeanor drug arrests, 3 felony drug arrests (24 total criminal misdemeanor and felony arrests) and a host of miscellaneous charges. The officers also issued a total of 721 warnings and responded to two motor vehicle crashes during the period.



Captain Ridens added, “Although the majority of motorists comply with the new slow down, move over statute, too many close calls continue for our troopers and other emergency workers. Please watch for the emergency vehicles you see along the highway and the trooper, police officer, sheriff, EMT, MODOT worker or firefighter who drove that vehicle to the scene. They have responsibilities to take care of when the red lights are on, and this statute gives all motorists one as well.”



For information concerning this statute, please contact Sergeant Larry W. Plunkett, Jr., Public Information and Education Officer for Troop E, (573) 840-9500.