News Release



For further information please contact:

Sgt. Larry W. Plunkett, Jr (573) 840-9500

plunkl@mshp.state.mo.us



#: 2005-05-05

Date: May 16, 2005



EMPHASIS: Troop E Has Upcoming Enforcement Projects





Captain George Ridens, Commanding Officer of Troop E, announced a series of enforcement projects to be conducted in the upcoming weeks. The projects will emphasize safe driving, seat belt/child restraint use and non-drinking drivers during the first holiday period of the summer.

According to Captain Ridens, Troop E will once again participate in the “Click It or Ticket” campaign, beginning May 23 through June 5, 2005. Troopers will focus their efforts in Stoddard and Scott counties during the project, but all zones will be using a “zero tolerance” policy concerning seat belt and child restraint violations during the period. This project will also run in conjunction with the “All American Buckle Up Week” which runs from May 23 through midnight on May 30, 2005.



Motorists are also reminded the 2005 Memorial Day Weekend Combined Accident Reduction Effort (C.A.R.E.) will be in effect throughout the weekend. The counting period will begin at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, May 27, 2005, and end at midnight on Monday, May 30, 2005. In an effort to reduce the number of injuries and fatalities during this period, the Patrol will be utilizing all available manpower to promote safe driving and DWI enforcement.



Captain Ridens added, “Troop E has already suffered 27 fatalities in 2005. Help us keep the injuries and loss of life to a minimum. Drive safe. Don’t drink and drive. And ensure all your occupants are belted before leaving the driveway.”

Fatality totals for Troop E are currently at 27, compared to 35 at the same period last year. Statewide fatality totals are 432, compared to 374 at the same period last year.



For more information concerning this release or other matters concerning Troop E, please contact Sergeant Larry W. Plunkett, Jr., Public Information and Education Officer, phone 573-840-9500.