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

Troop H Headquarters-3525 North Belt Highway-St. Joseph, MO. 64506


News Release

For further information please contact: Sergeant Sheldon Lyon
816-387-2345
H07131
July 8, 2013

EMPHASIS: 2013 July Fourth Holiday Totals For Troop H


Captain Duane L. Robinson, commanding officer of Troop H, St. Joseph, has announced the 2013 July Fourth holiday weekend crash, boating and enforcement totals for Troop H. As a part of the holiday weekend, troopers participated in the 20-Mile Trooper enforcement project, Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort), a sobriety checkpoint, and a DWI saturation. The 20-Mile Trooper project was conducted on Interstate 35, on July 3, 2013, and July 7, 2013. Operation C.A.R.E. was conducted throughout the weekend to help ensure the safety of motorists. The DWI saturation was held on July 5, 2013, and the DWI checkpoint was conducted on July 6, 2013. Both the saturation and checkpoint were located in Clinton County.
During the counting period, troopers investigated 17 crashes, with 10 injuries. Troop H recorded no traffic related fatalities during the holiday weekend. Troop H officers did investigate two drownings at Smithville Lake on July 4, 2013. The following is a list of contacts from the four operations.
Driving While Intoxicated Arrests-- 10
Drug Arrests-- 21
Other Arrests-- 171
Speed Violations-- 398
Seat Belt Violations-- 125
Child Restraint Violations-- 7
Total Warnings-- 1,182
Motorist Assistance-- 250
Captain Robinson stated, "The Troop H area did not have any fatal crashes over the holiday period, and that is encouraging. However, the two men drowning at Smithville Lake shows the need to wear an approved life jacket while enjoying the water."
The Patrol encourages motorists and watercraft operators to protect themselves by making sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint and everyone in the vessel is wearing an approved life jacket. Click It 4 Life and Wear It!!!


(###)