NEWS RELEASE

For further information please contact: Sergeant Brent J. Bernhardt
(660) 385-2132
B08093
September 4, 2008

EMPHASIS: 2008 Labor Day Holiday Weekend Traffic Crash And Special Enforcement Operations Totals For Troop B


Captain John W. Elliott, commanding officer of Troop B, Macon, announces the 2008 Labor Day holiday weekend traffic crash and enforcement totals for the Troop B area, which consists of the 16 northeast counties of Missouri. During this holiday period, the Missouri State Highway Patrol participated in Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort), which also coincided with the national “You Drink, You Drive, You Lose”, campaign. Troop B officers working on the U.S. Highway 36 corridor also participated in the “15-Mile Trooper Project”. During this statewide project, troopers were assigned 12-hour shifts to patrol 15-mile intervals on major highways and interstates in Missouri on Friday, August 29, 2008, and Monday, September 1, 2008.
During the 2008 Labor Day weekend traffic crash counting period, which began on Friday, August 29, 2008, and ended on Monday, September 1, 2008, Troop B officers investigated 12 traffic crashes, including a double fatality traffic crash that occurred on Monday, September 1, 2008, in Ralls County. Troop B officers made five arrests for driving while intoxicated, issued 373 speeding summonses, 94 seat belt summonses, and assisted 95 motorists.
“Even though this major holiday period has ended, we want to encourage motorists to continue to drive safely and always wear their seat belts,” stated Captain Elliott.

(###)