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
Q592012 (573) 526-6115
May 16, 2012
EMPHASIS: Have A Safe Memorial Day!
The first summer holiday weekend will soon arrive. Memorial Day weekend is an opportunity for Missourians to enjoy the many recreational possibilities in this great state. Whether you will be visiting family, going to one of Missouri’s lakes, or enjoying other travel destinations, the Missouri State Highway Patrol urges everyone to think about safety when making plans for the upcoming holiday weekend. Holidays should be enjoyed, but enjoyed responsibly. Be aware of construction along your route, pay attention while you are driving, and buckle up. If alcohol is part of your holiday, make sure driving a vehicle or a vessel is not.
The Patrol will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort) during the long holiday weekend. This means every available officer will be on the road enforcing traffic laws and assisting motorists. In addition, the Patrol will assign troopers to 20-mile intervals along Interstates 35, 44, 55, and 70, and U.S. Highways 60 and 63 on May 25, 2012 and May 28, 2012. Troopers taking part in the 20-Mile Trooper enforcement project will be alert for all traffic offenses, and be especially vigilant to aggressive driving violations.
Motorists or boaters in need of assistance or who want to report a crime should use the Highway Patrol's Highway Emergency Assistance number 1-800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone. For road condition reports, travelers can visit our web site at www.mshp.dps.mo.gov and click on the Road Condition icon to view road construction areas throughout the state.
Over the 2011 Memorial Day holiday weekend, four people died and 415 were injured in 1,019 traffic crashes. That is one person killed or injured every 11.2 minutes. Last year, 133 persons were arrested for DWI. This year's fatality counting period for the holiday weekend begins at 6 p.m., Friday, May 25, and ends at 11:59 p.m., Monday, May 28, 2012. Troopers will focus their attention on seat belt use, use of child safety seats, intoxicated drivers, and speed violations.
Missouri is currently experiencing an 18 percent increase in traffic deaths compared to the same time period last year. Motorists are encouraged to be safe and courteous drivers. Speed, inattention, and impaired driving are leading causes of traffic crashes. Please do your part. Obey all traffic laws and buckle up.
The Memorial Day weekend is also an unofficial start to the boating season. During the 2011 Memorial Day weekend, there were 10 boating accidents with one injury and zero fatalities. In addition, two people drowned over the holiday weekend. Officers arrested 23 people for boating while intoxicated. Boating is a great pastime and troopers want everyone to enjoy themselves. Please be courteous to others on the water, wear a lifejacket, and obey the law regarding safe operation of a vessel and no wake zones. Never operate a boat while intoxicated.
"I encourage every driver—of a vehicle or a vessel—to make safety part of their three-day weekend plans," said Colonel Ron Replogle, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. "Please, DON’T drink and drive. We want all of you to have a safe, enjoyable holiday weekend.”
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