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. J. Tim Hull
Q1252012-1 (573) 526-6115

December 5, 2012
EMPHASIS: Have A Safe Christmas Holiday!

Have you and your family members finished their wish list for the holiday? Is safe, crash free travel on those lists? If not, please add that to your list! The Missouri State Highway Patrol wishes everyone a merry and safe Christmas. One way for it to be merry is for everyone to arrive at their holiday celebrations safely.

Last year over the Christmas holiday, there were 851 traffic crashes during the counting period. In those crashes, five people were killed and another 317 were injured. This year’s traffic crash counting period begins at 6 p.m. on Friday, December 21, and ends at 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, December 25, 2012. Please remember to wear your seat belt, pay attention to your driving, and please, don’t drink and drive.

Travelers are reminded that holiday drivers will affect traffic patterns. If you’re planning a trip during the holiday, please keep this in mind. Check the weather forecast and plan accordingly. The Road Condition Report number is 1-800-222-6400. If bad weather is expected, make sure your vehicle is winterized. Allow extra time to reach your destination, and obey all traffic laws.

If faced with a traffic emergency, motorists can contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol at 1-800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone. This emergency number will ring into the nearest Highway Patrol headquarters. Motorists should use this number if they are in a traffic crash, witness a crash or crime, or pass a stranded motorist in need of assistance, etc.

“Last year, a Missouri family was affected by a traffic crash every 14.5 minutes,” said Colonel Ron Replogle. “Please be a safe, courteous driver. Wear your seat belt, obey Missouri's traffic laws, and if you include alcohol in your celebrations, please don’t drive.”

The Patrol encourages motorists to protect themselves from all types of hazardous drivers by making sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint. Click It 4 Life!


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