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

Troop B Headquarters, 308 Pine Crest Drive, Macon, Mo 63552


NEWS RELEASE

For further information please contact: Sergeant Brent J. Bernhardt
(660) 385-2132
B10011
January 4, 2010

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., Thursday, December 24, 2009, and ended 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, December 27, 2009, Troop B officers investigated 48 traffic crashes, which resulted in eight individuals being injured. During this period, snow and ice covered roadways made traveling difficult. Troopers also made three arrests for driving while intoxicated.
During the New Year’s counting period, which began at 6 p.m., Thursday, December 31, 2009, and ended 11:59 p.m., on Sunday, January 3, 2010, Troop B officers investigated seven traffic crashes, which resulted in four individuals being injured. Troopers also made eight arrests for driving while intoxicated.
During 2009, Troop B saw an approximate 16 percent reduction in traffic fatalities compared to 2008. During 2009, 25 individuals were killed in traffic crashes in the Troop B area, and 30 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.”

Note: The fatality statistics in this news release could change if late deaths occur.

(###)