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

Troop A - 504 SE Blue Parkway - Lee' Summit, MO 64063


NEWS RELEASE

For further information please contact: Sgt. Bill Lowe
(816) 622-0800
A2015-28
August 12, 2015

EMPHASIS: Multi-Agency DWI Checkpoint To Be Conducted In The Memory Of Donald Rippy

Captain Scott A. Shipers, commanding officer Troop A, Lee's Summit, announces two DWI checkpoints will be conducted in the Troop A area during the month of August.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol, along with the Kansas City [MO] Police Department, Platte County Sheriff’s Office, and the Clay County Sheriff’s Office will conduct a DWI checkpoint in Platte County between now and the end of August. The checkpoint will be conducted in honor of Donald Rippy. Mr. Rippy was killed by an impaired driver on Missouri Highway 152 at west junction of Interstate 435 in Platte County. Mr. Rippy was helping his grandson who was having vehicle problems and was sitting in a legally parked vehicle on the shoulder when the crash occurred. In addition, a DWI checkpoint will be conducted along with the Kansas City [MO] Police Department in Jackson County during the month of August. Both of these operations are an effort by all law enforcement agencies to remove impaired drivers from Missouri's highways. The checkpoints will consist of officers stopping drivers at a set location and testing those who have been drinking.

In addition to the checkpoints, the Missouri State Highway Patrol will be conducting DWI saturations in Bates, Ray, Carroll, and Pettis counties. Troopers will concentrate their efforts to remove impaired drivers on highways where there have been a high number of alcohol- or drug-related crashes and enforcement contacts. These saturations are part of the continuing effort of the Missouri State Highway Patrol to remove impaired drivers from Missouri’s roadways.

Captain Shipers stated, "The goal of DWI enforcement projects is to deter impaired driving and to make citizens aware that drinking and driving will not be tolerated. Remember to do your part. Obey the speed limit, pay attention to the job of driving, always buckle your seat belt, and if you are going to drink, please use a sober chauffeur or alternative transportation. We urge all citizens to report any driver they observe operating a vehicle in an unsafe manner.” The public can contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol toll-free at 1-800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone.

Approximately 63 percent of Missouri fatal crash victims who are required to be restrained are NOT at the time of the traffic 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 everyone in the vessel is wearing an approved life jacket. Click It 4 Life And Wear It!!

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