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

Troop B Headquarters - 308 Pine Crest Drive - Macon, Missouri 63552


NEWS RELEASE

For further information please contact: Sergeant Brent J. Bernhardt
(660) 385-2132
B15068
June 27, 2015

EMPHASIS: Flash Flooding Presents Dangers To Motorists


Captain James E. Wilt, commanding officer of Troop B, Macon, would like to remind motorists of the dangers of flash flooding.
Over the course of several days, heavy rains have caused extensive flash flooding in the Troop B area which have led to many area roadway closures. The Patrol encourages motorists to never drive through water covered roads; even a small amount of fast-moving water can sweep vehicle off the roadway. For your safety and that of their passengers, drivers are reminded to stay alert while driving in areas known to flood. Barricades closing a road are there to protect you. Drivers must respect barriers or barricades put in place by MoDOT. It is extremely dangerous and a violation of state law to drive around them. If your vehicle would happen to become stuck in rising water, get out quickly and move to higher ground.
In the past 24-hours, Missouri State Highway Patrol marine officers, assisted by other local law enforcement agencies, made two water rescues. One of the rescues involved the occupants of a motor vehicle that became disabled on a water covered county road.
For information regarding road closures please visit the Missouri Department of Transportation’s (MoDOT) road condition map at the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s website www.mshp.dps.mo.gov.
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 in the vehicle 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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