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

Troop I Headquarters, P.O. Box 128, Rolla, Mo. 65402


NEWS RELEASE

For further information please contact: Sergeant Cody H. Fulkerson
(573)368-2345 Ext; 3953
I04C2016
April 22, 2016

EMPHASIS: Sobriety Checkpoint To Be Conducted In Laclede County

Captain James W. Remillard, commanding officer of Troop I, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Rolla, announces troopers will be conducting a sobriety checkpoint in Laclede County during the month of May. The checkpoint will occur in a specific location where a larger number of alcohol-related traffic crashes occurred last year.

The officers conducting the checkpoint will be utilizing the mobile DWI unit referred to as the BAT van (Breath Alcohol Testing), which the Patrol acquired through the Missouri Department of Transportation’s Highway Safety Division. The van is equipped with a breath testing instrument, communications technology, radios, and other equipment and supplies related to DWI enforcement.

Captain Remillard urges all motorists passing through a checkpoint to use extreme caution by slowing down, keeping their eyes on the road and vehicles ahead for any sudden stopping, and following the directions of the officers.

Captain Remillard indicated officers at the checkpoint will be checking operator’s licenses and looking for motorists who are driving while intoxicated by alcohol or other drugs. Captain Remillard went on to say, “Each year, many motorists are arrested for driving while intoxicated as a result of these checkpoint operations. If just one life is saved or a needless traffic crash is prevented, then the time and effort our troopers put into these enforcement operations is well worth it.”

Approximately 63 percent of Missouri fatal crash victims who are required to be restrained are NOT at the time of the crash. The Patrol urges motorists to protect themselves and their passengers by making sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint. Join us in supporting the Drive To ZERO Highway Deaths. Watercraft operators should ensure that everyone in the vessel is wearing an approved life jacket. Click It 4 Life And Wear It!!

(###)