News Release



For further information please contact:

Sergeant Larry W. Plunkett

(573) 840-9500

2005-11-03

Date: November 22, 2005



EMPHASIS: Troop E Holiday Period





Captain George Ridens, Commanding Officer of Troop E, would like to remind everyone to drive safely, buckle up, and refrain from drinking and driving over the Thanksgiving Holiday. Troopers from across the area will be working throughout the Thanksgiving C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort) period that begins at 6 p.m. Wednesday, November 23, 2005, and ends at 11:59 p.m. Sunday, November 27, 2005.

Troopers and law enforcement from across Southeast Missouri will be working together to reduce the number and severity of accidents in the area. Last year there were no fatalities in the Troop E area during the Thanksgiving period, but 13 people were killed statewide and 578 were injured.



Captain Ridens added, “Last year Southeast Missouri troopers didn’t make any death notifications during the Thanksgiving travel period. We want that trend to continue this year, but it takes effort. Drive the speed limit, drive with patience, and never drink and drive. You and your family will be glad you did.”



Motorists should be aware of the Patrol’s emergency phone numbers when they plan to travel along the roadways. Those numbers are 1-800-525-5555 and *55 for cellular phone users. If you’re involved in an emergency situation or witness such an event, please notify the Patrol as soon as possible.



Motorists are also reminded that with the high volume of traffic it’s likely there will be an increase in the number of traffic stops along the roadways. Everyone is encouraged to remember the 2002 statute that requires motorists to “slow down and move over” when they approach a stationary emergency vehicle. Troopers will be actively enforcing that statute during the holiday period as well.



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



Troop E has currently investigated 85 traffic fatalities in 2005, compared to 105 at the same period last year. Troop E has reported twelve fatalities in the month of November.