News Release



For further information please contact:

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

Larry.Plunkett@mshp.dps.missouri.gov

#: 2005-04-02

Date: April 14, 2005



EMPHASIS: Troop E Schedules Sobriety Checkpoints in Butler County





Captain George Ridens, Commanding Officer of Troop E, announced today his troop has several DWI enforcement campaigns planned in the upcoming months that include both DWI spotchecks and DWI saturations. According to Captain Ridens, the next round of sobriety checkpoints will be conducted in the Butler County area during the month of April and will be held at locations identified for frequent alcohol related arrests or traffic crashes.



According to Captain Ridens, “DWI enforcement continues to be a high priority for both the general public and the Patrol. We would encourage everyone to take Missouri’s DWI laws seriously. Our troopers do, and enforcement is the only option along the highway.”



In the 2003 statistics available, Missouri lost 277 persons in alcohol related traffic crashes and nearly 5,500 persons were injured. Drinking was involved in 4.6% of all traffic crashes, but was involved in 23.2% of all fatal traffic crashes investigated throughout the state that year. According to the same statistics, one person was killed or injured in drinking-related traffic crashes every 1.5 hours in the State of Missouri.



For more information concerning this subject or any other matter concerning the Missouri State Highway Patrol, please contact Sergeant Larry W. Plunkett, Jr., Public Information and Education Officer for Troop E, phone 573-840-9500.