NEWS RELEASE

For further information please contact: Sergeant Brent J. Bernhardt
(660) 385-2132
B090510
May 28, 2009

EMPHASIS: 2009 Memorial Day Weekend Traffic Crash And Special Enforcement Operations Totals For Troop B


Captain John W. Elliott, commanding officer of Troop B, Macon, announces the Memorial Day weekend traffic crash and enforcement totals for the Troop B area, which consists of the 16 northeast counties of Missouri. The enforcement operations included All American Buckle Up Week and the Operation Combined Accident Reduction Effort (C.A.R.E.). As an added enforcement effort, Troop B officers participated in the “10-mile Trooper Operation” on U.S. Highway 61, on Friday, May 22, 2009, and Monday, May 25, 2009.
During the 2009 Memorial Day Weekend traffic crash counting period, which began at 6 p.m., Friday, May 22, 2009, and ended at 11:59 p.m., Monday, May 25, 2009, Troop B officers investigated 16 traffic crashes, with 13 injuries and one fatality. The fatality traffic crash occurred on May 23, 2009, in Chariton County. Troop B officers made 16 arrests for driving while intoxicated, issued 391 speeding citations and 118 seat belt citations, and assisted 104 motorists.
During the period covering May 18, 2009 through May 25, 2009, the Patrol was actively involved in the “All American Buckle Up” campaign. As a result of the campaign, Troop B officers issued 224 seat belt citations and eight citations for failure to properly secure a child in an approved child restraint seat.
“Even though this major holiday period has ended, we want to urge motorists to continue to drive safely and always wear their seat belts,” stated Captain Elliott.



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