NEWS RELEASE

For further information please contact: Sergeant Brent J. Bernhardt
(660) 385-2132
B09012
January 5, 2009

EMPHASIS: Troop B Christmas, New Year's Traffic Totals, And Year End Traffic Fatality Reduction


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., Wednesday, December 24, 2008, and ended 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, December 28, 2008, Troop B officers investigated 12 traffic crashes, which resulted in one person being injured. Troopers also made three arrests for driving while intoxicated.
During the New Year’s counting period, which began at 6 p.m., Wednesday, December 31, 2008, and ended 11:59 p.m., on Sunday, January 4, 2009, Troop B officers investigated 13 traffic crashes, which resulted in two individuals being injured. Troopers also made nine arrests for driving while intoxicated.
During 2008, Troop B saw a 40 percent reduction in traffic fatalities compared to 2007. During 2008, 30 individuals were killed in traffic crashes in the Troop B area, and 50 were killed in the previous year.
Captain Elliott stated, “Even though the holiday season has concluded, I urge motorists to always take the job of driving seriously and always insure everyone in your vehicle is wearing a safety belt.”