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. John J. Hotz
(573) 526-6115

Q6172016
June 17, 2016

EMPHASIS: Have A Safe July Fourth Weekend!

Colonel J. Bret Johnson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, reminds Missouri’s travelers of the importance of safety during the upcoming July Fourth holiday. Many people will travel somewhere to enjoy the three-day holiday. Whether your plans will take place on land or on the water, please be courteous and follow all Missouri traffic and boating laws.

In 2015, 14 people were killed and 427 injured in Missouri over the holiday in 953 traffic crashes. One person was killed or injured every 10.6 minutes. Over the 2015 July Fourth holiday, troopers arrested 127 people for driving while intoxicated.

The 2016 counting period for the July Fourth holiday will be from 6 p.m., Friday, July 1, to 11:59 p.m., Monday, July 4.

The Highway Patrol will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort) over the July Fourth holiday weekend. All available troopers will be patrolling Missouri’s roadways enforcing traffic laws in addition to being available to assist motorists. Please be a courteous driver and follow all traffic laws. Drive sober, obey the speed limit, pay attention, and make sure everyone is properly restrained.

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. Motorists may call 1-888-275-6636 to check for road construction along their travel route.

The Highway Patrol also reminds the public that the Fourth of July holiday is one of the busiest boating holidays of the year. In 2015, there were seven boating crashes, which included four injuries and no fatalities. No one drowned during last year's July Fourth holiday.

Troopers will be working on the state’s waters to ensure safety. Missouri’s boaters are asked to do their part by remaining alert for other boats and swimmers, and being courteous on the water. With more boats on the water, it is even more important to pay attention when operating your vessel. Don't consume alcohol and operate your vessel and be responsible with your wake.

Before heading out to firework displays after dark, check your vessel’s navigation lights, and be sure to have spare bulbs on board. Slow down and take your time and remember Missouri’s nighttime speed limit of 30 miles per hour on the water. Nighttime crashes tend to involve more serious injuries and damage, due to the lack of visibility.
Finally, it is illegal to discharge fireworks from a vessel, so leave them in a safe place on shore.

"Please be courteous whether operating a vehicle or a vessel. Whether you’re on the water or the road, if your celebration includes alcohol, designate someone else to act as your sober chauffeur," said Colonel Johnson. “Drivers make sure your passengers wear their seat belts and boat captains should insist that everyone wear a lifejacket.”

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