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
Q81111-1 (573) 526-6115

August 10, 2011
EMPHASIS: Patrol Names Safety A Top Priority For Labor Day Weekend

Colonel Ron Replogle, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, would like Missouri’s travelers to include safety when planning their Labor Day weekend. Col. Replogle strongly urges the use of seat belts when traveling in any kind of vehicle and life jackets when on a Missouri lake, river, or stream.

In 2010, 10 people were killed and 515 injured in Missouri over the Labor Day holiday in 1,052 traffic crashes. One person was killed or injured every 8.9 minutes. Of that total, troopers worked 294 traffic crashes, which included 148 injuries and six of the fatalities over the 2010 Labor Day holiday. Troopers arrested 190 people for driving while intoxicated during last year’s holiday weekend.

The 2011 counting period for the Labor Day holiday will be from 6 p.m., Friday, September 2, to 11:59 p.m., Monday, September 5.

The Highway Patrol will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort) over the Labor Day holiday weekend. All available officers will be patrolling Missouri’s roadways enforcing Missouri’s speed limit, seat belt, and alcohol laws, in addition to being available to assist motorists.

Troopers throughout the state will participate in a 20-Mile Trooper operation on September 2 and again on September 5. This operation will include Interstates 35, 44, 55, and 70, and U.S. Highways 60 and 63. Troopers will be targeting all traffic violations, and be especially vigilant of aggressive driving violations.

Motorists who need assistance or who witness criminal activity while traveling on Missouri’s roadways can contact the nearest Highway Patrol troop headquarters by calling the Patrol Emergency Report Line at 1 (800) 525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone.

Col. Replogle reminds the public that the Labor Day holiday is a busy boating weekend. Additional officers will be working on the state’s waters to ensure safety. Missouri’s boaters are asked to do their part by remaining alert for other boats and swimmers, and being courteous on the water. With more boats on the water, it is even more important to pay attention when operating your vessel.

Remember: If you choose to drink alcohol, don’t operate a vessel. Alcohol consumption slows reaction time. Pay attention to the boats around you and ask your passengers to assist with this. Evasive maneuvers should be made early and deliberately. Check your vessel’s navigation lights before heading out at night, and be sure to have spare bulbs on board. Avoid overloading your boat with too many passengers, and observe Missouri’s nighttime speed limit of 30 miles per hour on the water.

“The Patrol wants everyone to enjoy the last big weekend of summer. Don’t become a statistic. Make safety a part of your plans for the Labor Day holiday,” said Colonel Replogle. “Remember to buckle up in your vehicle and wear a life jacket when on or near water. If your celebration includes alcohol, designate someone else to drive, whether you are in your boat or your car.”
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