News Release



For further information please contact:

Sergeant Dale H. Moreland

(573) 840-9500

010401

January 4, 2007



EMPHASIS: Troop E Christmas, New Year's and Year-End Traffic Crash Totals







Captain George E. Ridens, Commanding Officer of Troop E, announces the traffic crash and arrest totals for both the Christmas and New Year’s Weekend Counting Periods. Both holiday counting periods began on Friday at 6:00 p.m. and ended at 11:59 p.m. the following Monday.



During the Christmas weekend, Troop E officers investigated 39 traffic crashes, which resulted in 31 injuries. There were no fatal crashes within the 13 county Troop E area. Troop E officers made 21 arrests for driving while intoxicated in this period. For the same period during the previous year, Troop E officers investigated 25 traffic crashes, which resulted in 15 injuries, and no fatalities.



During the New Year’s weekend, Troop E officers investigated 29 traffic crashes resulting in seven injuries, but no fatalities. There were 24 arrests made for driving while intoxicated in this period. For the same period during the previous year, Troop E officers investigated 25 traffic crashes, resulting in seven injuries with two of those being fatalities.



Last year traffic crashes on the roadways within the 13 County Troop E area claimed the lives of 80 people, which is 26 fewer than in 2005. Captain Ridens stated, “ I certainly hope this reduction will carry over into 2007. We can continue to save lives by obeying traffic laws, and paying attention, which is the number one cause of accidents in our state.”