MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL
a division of the
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

Troop B Headquarters - 308 Pine Crest Drive - Macon, Missouri 63552


NEWS RELEASE

For further information please contact: Sergeant Brent J. Bernhardt
(660) 385-2132
B12032
March 5, 2012

EMPHASIS: Troop B Officers To Conduct New Traffic Enforcement Program


Captain James E. Wilt, commanding officer of Troop B, Macon, announces that over the next several months, Troop B officers will be conducting a new traffic enforcement program called "Operation S.T.O.P." Operation S.T.O.P. (Stop, Think, Observe, and Proceed) is aimed at reducing traffic crashes at intersections having a higher rate of traffic crashes. At many of these intersections, serious crashes have occurred as a result of motorists failing to stop at stop signs or failing to yield to other vehicles as they enter the intersecting roadway. 2010 Missouri traffic crash statistics show that 15.3% of all traffic crashes were a result of drivers failing to yield the right-of-way, and 3.9% were caused by failure to stop at a stop sign.
During these operations, which will utilize a Patrol aircraft, troopers will focus their attention to selected intersections with a goal of detecting stop sign violations; fail-to-yield violations, as well as other violations that cause traffic crashes. These operations will be held randomly depending on weather conditions and the availability of officers.
"The Missouri State Highway Patrol is committed to reducing traffic crashes," stated Captain Wilt. "I urge motorists to pay close attention when they enter an intersection. Please stop at all stop signs, and make sure it is safe to proceed through the intersection before doing so."
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