NEWS RELEASE



For further information please contact:

Capt. J. “Tim” Hull (573) 526-6115



Q8046

August 16, 2006

EMPHASIS: 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.



To help ensure everyone's safety, offer assistance, and enforce Missouri's traffic laws, the Highway Patrol will schedule every available officer to patrol the roadways. The Labor Day counting period will begin at 6 p.m. on Friday, September 1, and end at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, September 4, 2006. The Patrol, along with local law enforcement, will participate in Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort), which will coincide with the You Drink, You Drive, You Lose campaign.



Last year, 11 people were killed and 483 persons were injured in 1,029 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 (2001-2005), 64 persons were killed and 2,913 were injured in Labor Day holiday crashes.



"The Patrol wants everyone to enjoy this holiday weekend,” said Colonel Roger D. Stottlemyre, superintendent of the Patrol. "Let’s keep it safe. I urge drivers to buckle up, obey Missouri’s traffic laws, and drive sober. Drivers should also watch for changes in traffic patterns due to road construction. I would like to remind motorists that the 2006 fatality totals are at a 16 percent decrease when comparing the totals to the same time period in 2005,” stated Col. Stottlemyre. “The Patrol, along with other state and local law enforcement agencies, through educational and enforcement programs, have worked diligently to decrease these numbers during the first eight months of 2006. Troopers of the Missouri State Highway Patrol have worked above and beyond the call of duty thus far this year with special enforcement operations and educational campaigns as well as regular duties, which have without a doubt contributed to the decrease in this years totals,” said Col. Stottlemyre.



Travelers needing assistance, or reporting 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. Arrive alive.



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