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
Q5142014 (573) 526-6115
May 14, 2014
EMPHASIS: Have A Safe Memorial Day Weekend!
The Memorial Day weekend is approaching and with it an opportunity for everyone to enjoy visiting family or friends, going to one of Missouri’s lakes, or taking part in other recreation opportunities in our state. No matter what your plan is, the Missouri State Highway Patrol urges everyone to think about safety first. 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 29, 44, 55, and 70, and U.S. Highways 60 and 63 on May 23, 2014 and May 26, 2014. 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 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 or call 1-888-275-6636.
Over the 2013 Memorial Day holiday weekend, six people died and 389 were injured in 951 traffic crashes. Last year, 129 persons were arrested for DWI. This year's fatality counting period for the holiday weekend begins at 6 p.m., Friday, May 23, and ends at 11:59 p.m., Monday, May 26, 2014. Troopers will focus their attention on seat belt use, use of child safety seats, intoxicated drivers, and speed violations.
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 2013 Memorial Day weekend, there were seven boating crashes which included three injuries and one fatality; no one drowned over last year’s holiday weekend. Officers arrested 18 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 be courteous and pay attention," 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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