NEWS RELEASE
For further information please contact: Capt. J. Tim Hull
(573) 526-6115
Q0593
May 6, 2009
EMPHASIS: Have A Safe Memorial Day!
The first holiday weekend will soon arrive. Memorial Day weekend is an opportunity for Missourians to enjoy the many recreational possibilities in this great state. Whether you will be visiting family, going to one of Missouri’s lakes, or enjoying other travel destinations, the Missouri State Highway Patrol urges everyone to think about safety when making plans for the upcoming holiday weekend. Be aware of construction along your route, pay attention while you are driving, and buckle up.
The Patrol will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort) during the long holiday weekend. This means every available officer will be on the road enforcing traffic laws and assisting motorists. In addition, the Patrol will assign troopers to 10-mile intervals along Interstates 29, 44, 55, and 70, and U.S. Highways 60 and 61 on May 22, 2009 and May 25, 2009. Troopers taking part in this enforcement project will be alert for all traffic offenses, and be especially vigilant to aggressive driving violations.
Motorists in need of assistance or who want to report a crime should use the Highway Patrol's Highway Emergency number 1-800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone. For road condition reports, travelers can call 1-800-222-6400 to hear about road construction areas throughout the state.
Preliminary statistics indicate 11 people died and 477 were injured in 1,094 traffic crashes over the 2008 Memorial Day holiday weekend. That is one person killed or injured every 9.6 minutes. Inattention, speeding, and failing to yield the right-of-way were the leading contributing factors to traffic crashes over the 2008 Memorial Day weekend. Motorists are encouraged to be safe and courteous drivers. This year's fatality counting period for the holiday weekend begins at 6 p.m., Friday, May 22, and ends at 11:59 p.m., Monday May 25, 2009. Troopers will focus their attention on seat belt use, use of child safety seats, intoxicated drivers, and speeding.
Missouri is currently experiencing an 18 percent reduction in traffic deaths compared to the same time period last year. However, there are several holiday periods, and many vacation days between now and the end of the year. Motorists are encouraged to practice safe driving habits to help continue this trend.
"We expect a large number of drivers on the road this holiday. Make safety part of your three-day weekend," said Colonel James F. Keathley, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. "Don’t drink and drive, but DO buckle your seat belt. We want all of you to have a safe, enjoyable holiday weekend.”

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