For further information please contact: Sergeant Brent J. Bernhardt
(660) 385-2132
B08011
January 2, 2008

EMPHASIS: Troop B Christmas, New Year's Traffic Crash and Enforcement Totals


Captain John W. Elliott, commanding officer of Troop B, Macon, announces the traffic crash and enforcement totals for both the Christmas and New Year’s counting periods for the Troop B area.
During the Christmas counting period, which began at 6 p.m., Friday, December 21, to 11:59 p.m. on Tuesday, December 25, 2007, Troop B officers investigated 41 traffic crashes, which resulted in 10 individuals being injured. Troopers also made nine arrests for driving while intoxicated.
During the New Year’s counting period, which began at 6 p.m., Friday, December 28, 2007 to 11:59 p.m., on Tuesday, January 1, 2008, Troop B officers investigated 46 traffic crashes, which resulted in two fatalities and four injuries. Troopers also made nine arrests for driving while intoxicated.
On December 29, 2007, Whitney N. Garnett, 21, of Atlanta, MO, died when the vehicle in which she was a passenger ran off the left side of U.S. Highway 63, south of Atlanta, MO, in Macon County. The vehicle overturned several times in the median and the driver and Garnett were ejected.
On January 1, 2008, Michael L. Rick, 29, of Cordova, IL, died when the vehicle he was driving crossed the centerline and ran off the roadway. The vehicle then hit an embankment and overturned several times. Rick was not wearing a seat belt and was ejected from the vehicle. The crash occurred in Macon County on Missouri Route PP east of Minks Drive.
“The inclement weather attributed to the higher number of traffic crashes in the Troop B area over this time period,” stated Captain Elliott. “I would like to urge motorists to make sure they adjust their driving habits as the conditions change, and always to make sure everyone in the vehicle is wearing a seat belt.”
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