NEWS RELEASE



For further information please contact:

Capt. J. Tim Hull

Q12065

(573) 526-6115



December 18, 2006

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 1,071 traffic crashes during the counting period. In those crashes, nine people were killed and another 411 were injured. This year’s traffic crash counting period begins at 6 p.m. on Friday, December 22, and ends at 11:59 p.m. Monday, December 25, 2005. 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 they are in a traffic crash, witness a crash or crime, or pass a stranded motorist in need of assistance, etc.



“All available officers will be on the roadway during this holiday season,” said Colonel James F. Keathley, superintendent of the Patrol. “Drivers are reminded to check their vehicle before they drive, to make sure everyone in their vehicle is wearing a seat belt, and to obey all traffic laws. On behalf of the employees of the Missouri State HIghway Patrol, I wish you a safe, happy holiday.”