NEWS RELEASE



For further information please contact:

Capt. Christian T. Ricks

(573) 526-6115



Q8057



August 26, 2005

EMPHASIS: Labor Day Holiday



For many Missourians, Labor Day marks the end of summer. Many families will plan one last special outing. The Missouri State Highway Patrol reminds motorists to expect a change in traffic patterns during the upcoming holiday weekend.



To help ensure everyone's safety, offer assistance, and enforce Missouri's traffic laws, the Highway Patrol will schedule every available officer to patrol the roadways. The Labor Day counting period will begin at 6 p.m. on Friday, September 2, and end at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, September 5, 2005. The Patrol, along with local law enforcement, will participate in Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort).



Last year, 20 people were killed and 563 persons were injured in 1,210 traffic crashes occurring during the Labor Day holiday counting period. That is one person killed or injured every 8.0 minutes. Over the past five years (2000-2004), 73 persons were killed and 3,026 were injured in Labor Day holiday crashes.



"The Patrol wants this holiday weekend to be a safe one,” said Colonel Roger D. Stottlemyre, superintendent of the Patrol. "I urge drivers to buckle up, obey Missouri’s traffic laws, and drive sober."



Travelers needing assistance, or reporting a drunk or careless driver, illegal activity on the highways, or a stalled motorist can call the Patrol's Emergency Hotline at 1-800-525-5555 or, on a cellular phone, dial *55. To receive the latest road conditions for major Missouri highways, motorists may call the Patrol's Road Condition Hotline at 1-800-222-6400 or (573) 526-8828.



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