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. John J. Hotz
Q572015 (573) 526-6115
May 13, 2015
EMPHASIS: Have A Safe Memorial Day Weekend!

The first long weekend of summer will be here soon. Memorial Day weekend is an opportunity to enjoy visiting family or friends, go to one of Missouri’s lakes, or enjoy any number of recreation opportunities in our state. It is also an opportunity to put safety first. Be aware of construction along your route, pay attention while you are driving, and buckle up. If alcohol is part of your holiday, make sure driving a vehicle or a vessel is not. If you are planning time on or near the water, make sure you wear a life jacket.
The Patrol will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort) during the long holiday weekend. This means every available officer will be on the road enforcing traffic laws and assisting motorists. In addition, the Patrol will assign troopers to 20-mile intervals along Interstates 29, 44, 55, and 70, and U.S. Highways 60 and 61 on May 22, 2015 and May 25, 2015. Troopers taking part in the 20-Mile Trooper enforcement project will be alert for all traffic offenses, and be especially vigilant to aggressive driving violations.
Motorists or boaters in need of assistance or who want to report a crime should use the Highway Patrol's Emergency Assistance number 1-800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone. For road condition reports, travelers can visit our web site at www.mshp.dps.mo.gov and click on the Road Condition icon to view road construction areas throughout the state or call 1-888-275-6636.
Over the 2014 Memorial Day holiday weekend, nine people died and 407 were injured in 946 traffic crashes. Last year, 146 persons were arrested for DWI. This year's fatality counting period for the holiday weekend begins at 6 p.m., Friday, May 22, and ends at 11:59 p.m., Monday, May 25, 2015. Troopers will focus their attention on seat belt use, use of child safety seats, intoxicated drivers, and speed violations.
Motorists are encouraged to be safe and courteous drivers. Speed, inattention, and impaired driving are leading causes of traffic crashes. Please do your part. Obey all traffic laws and buckle up.
The Memorial Day weekend is also an unofficial start to the boating season. During the 2014 Memorial Day weekend, there were seven boating crashes which included two injuries; no one drowned over last year’s holiday weekend. Troopers arrested 20 people for boating while intoxicated. Boating is a great pastime and troopers want everyone to enjoy themselves. Please be courteous to others on the water, wear a lifejacket, and obey the law regarding safe operation of a vessel and no wake zones. Never operate a boat while you are impaired; never ride with an impaired operator.
“Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers will be available to assist you during the long holiday weekend should you need us.” said Colonel J. Bret Johnson. “Please do your part. Whether you’re on the highway or on the water, be courteous and pay attention. If alcohol is part of your plan, don’t operate a vehicle or vessel. It truly is that simple. We want all of you to have a safe and enjoyable summer beginning with this holiday weekend.”

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