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
Q6107 (573) 526-6115

June 21, 2010
EMPHASIS: Have A Safe July Fourth Weekend!

Colonel Ron Replogle, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, reminds Missouri’s travelers of the importance of safety during the upcoming July Fourth holiday.

In 2009, 11 people were killed and 484 injured in Missouri over the holiday in 1,251 traffic crashes. One person was killed or injured every 9.5 minutes. Of that total, troopers worked 339 crashes, including six fatalities and 120 injuries during the 2009 July Fourth holiday. Troopers arrested 149 people for driving while intoxicated during last year’s holiday weekend.

The 2010 counting period for the July Fourth holiday will be from 6 p.m., Friday, July 2, to 11:59 p.m., Monday, July 5.

The Highway Patrol will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort) over the July Fourth holiday weekend. All available officers will be patrolling Missouri’s roadways enforcing Missouri’s speed limit, seat belt, and alcohol laws, in addition to being available to assist motorists.

Troopers throughout the state will participate in a 10-Mile Trooper operation on July 2 and July 5, 2010. This operation will include Interstates 35, 44, 55, and 70, and U.S. Highways 60 and 61. Troopers will be targeting all traffic violations, and be especially vigilant of aggressive driving violations.

Motorists who need assistance or who witness criminal activity while traveling on Missouri’s roadways can contact the nearest Highway Patrol troop headquarters by calling the Patrol Emergency Report Line at 1 (800) 525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone.

“Drivers, don’t become a statistic. If your Independence Day celebration includes travel, please be a courteous driver and obey all traffic laws.” said Colonel Replogle. “Remember to buckle up, and if your celebration includes alcohol, don’t drive.”
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