NEWS RELEASE

For further information please contact: Sgt. Julie Scerine
636-300-2800 ext. 3341
C010923
April 23, 2009

EMPHASIS: Troop C Announces Results Of Operation P.R.O.T.E.C.T.


Captain Ronald S. Johnson, commanding officer of Troop C, St. Louis, is pleased to announce the results of the OPERATION P.R.O.T.E.C.T project that was conducted on April 22, 2009, in St. Charles County on U.S. Highway 61 south of Interstate 70. During the seven-hour enforcement project, 13 troopers focused their attention on violations that occurred in the construction/work zones, in an effort to reduce the number and severity of traffic crashes. During the operation numerous vehicles and commercial motor vehicles were stopped and drivers were cited for traffic violations, which occurred in the construction zone.
As a result of the enforcement program, a total of 83 summonses and 97 warnings were issued. Of those summonses, 56 individuals were cited for exceeding the speed limit, seven for no seat belt, seven for commercial vehicle violations, and the remainder for other violations. Additionally, commercial vehicle enforcement troopers conducted 10 “Level 1” inspections on trucks traveling through the zone and placed seven trucks out of service for commercial vehicle violations. During the seven-hour operation 94 vehicles were stopped for traffic violations.
Captain Johnson stated, “The aggressive enforcement efforts in our construction zones continue to be a priority for the Highway Patrol. Providing safe work zones is something we take very seriously. We strongly encourage all motorists to focus their attention on the job of driving safely through our many construction zones.”




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