MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL
A Division Of The
Department of Public Safety
Public Information and Education Division-PO Box 568-Jefferson City, MO 65102

NEWS RELEASE

For further information please contact: Capt. J. Tim Hull
Q12142012-1 (573) 526-6115

December 14, 2012
EMPHASIS: Happy New Year! Start 2013 Safely!

The Missouri State Highway Patrol encourages everyone to make good decisions regarding their New Year’s celebration. If the weather is bad, allow extra time for traveling or be flexible with your plans. Staying home might be the best option.
If you do plan to drive to a New Year’s gathering, remember to buckle up and obey all traffic laws. If your plans include alcohol, plan for alternative transportation. The roadway is no place for a driver who has been drinking. If you cause a traffic crash, your new year might bring getting arrested, legal fees, medical bills, or jail time! If you kill or injure someone, you’ll pay a price for the rest of your life. No one wants to begin 2013 in jail. Be smart! Designate a sober driver or take a taxi.
During the New Year’s traffic crash counting period from 6 p.m., Friday, December 28, 2012 to 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, January 1, 2013, all available officers will be on the roadways. Last year, 777 traffic crashes occurred in Missouri over the New Year’s holiday weekend. In those crashes six people were killed and 311 were injured. One person was killed or injured every 14.8 minutes.
“The members and employees of the Missouri State Highway Patrol wish each of you a safe 2013,” said Colonel Ron Replogle, superintendent of the Patrol.
Of course, no matter how safely you drive, you can’t control other drivers. Therefore, the Patrol encourages motorists to protect themselves from all types of hazardous drivers by making sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint. Click It 4 Life!


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