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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
Q12711 (573) 526-6115

December 7, 2011
EMPHASIS: Have A Safe Christmas Holiday!

Are your stockings hung by the chimney with care? Have your family members all finished their wish list for the holiday? Did they include no traffic crashes on their list? The Missouri State Highway Patrol wishes everyone a merry and safe Christmas. One way for it to be merry is for everyone to arrive at their holiday celebrations safely.

Last year over the Christmas holiday, there were 1,264 traffic crashes during the counting period. In those crashes, four people were killed and another 388 were injured. This year’s traffic crash counting period begins at 6 p.m. on Friday, December 23, and ends at 11:59 p.m. Monday, December 26, 2011. Please remember to wear your seat belt, pay attention to your driving, and please, don’t drink and drive.

Travelers are reminded 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.

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.

“Last year, a Missouri family was affected by a traffic crash every 11.9 minutes,” said Colonel Ron Replogle. “The holidays should be a time of celebration, not sadness. Please be a safe, courteous driver. Wear your seat belt, obey Missouri's traffic laws, and if you include alcohol in your celebrations, please don’t drive.”


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