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

Troop F Headquarters - 2920 North Shamrock Road - Jefferson City, MO 65102


NEWS RELEASE

For further information please contact: Sergeant Scott B. White
573-751-1000, Extension 3619
F160201
February 19, 2016

EMPHASIS: Sobriety Checkpoint Announcement -- Boone County

Captain Michael A. Turner, commanding officer of Troop F, Jefferson City, announces that sometime during the month of March 2016, a sobriety checkpoint will be held in Boone County. The Missouri State Highway Patrol, in cooperation with local law enforcement agencies, will conduct the sobriety checkpoint.

Motorists will be contacted for the limited purpose of determining if they are impaired by alcohol or other drugs. All efforts will be made to keep the process as brief as possible. If the officer suspects a driver to be under the influence of intoxicants and/or drugs, they will be asked to submit to a field sobriety test(s).

In 2015, 871 people were killed in traffic crashes on Missouri roadways. Almost one-third of these deaths were a result of impaired driving. Sobriety checkpoints are just one method the Missouri State Highway Patrol ultilizes to combat preventable injury and death caused by impaired drivers.

"Sobriety checkpoints enable the Missouri State Highway Patrol to enhance its efforts in removing impaired drivers from our highways," stated Captain Turner. "Driving while impaired continues to be a major contributing factor of traffic crashes in Missouri and we are committed to protect the public from these drivers."

Captain Turner urges all citizens to help law enforcement efforts to apprehend impaired drivers. If you suspect a motorist of driving while impaired or observe a vehicle being driven in an erratic manner, contact the nearest law enforcement agency. The Highway Patrol toll-free numbers for reporting emergencies are 1-800-525-5555 or cellular *55.

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 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!!!
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