News Release

For further information please contact: Sergeant Dan Crain
573-368-2345
I01B09
January 7, 2009

EMPHASIS: Troop I Christmas, New Year's Traffic Totals, And Year End Traffic Fatality Reduction

Captain Lee Ann H. Kenley, commanding officer of Troop I, announces the traffic crash and enforcement totals for both the Christmas and New Year’s counting period for the six-county, Troop I area.
During the Christmas counting period, which began at 6 p.m., Wednesday, December 24, 2008, and ended 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, December 28, 2008, Troop I officers investigated 29 traffic crashes, which resulted in six injuries and three fatalities. Troopers also made five arrests for driving while intoxicated.
During the New Year’s counting period, which began at 6 p.m., Wednesday, December 31, 2008, and ended 11:59 p.m., on Sunday, January 4, 2009, Troop I officers investigated 13 traffic crashes, which resulted in five individuals being injured. During that period troopers also made four arrests for driving while intoxicated.
During 2008, Troop I saw nearly a 25 percent reduction in traffic fatalities when compared to 2007. During 2008, 43 individuals were killed in traffic crashes in the Troop I area, compared to 56 being killed in the previous year.
Captain Kenley stated, “With each new year, many of us will make resolutions with the hope of making life better for both ourselves and others. I encourage all Missouri motorists to make courteous and safe driving one of those resolutions.”
(###)