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. John J. Hotz
Q12232016-1 (573) 526-6115
December 23, 2016
EMPHASIS: MSHP: Welcome The New Year Safely!
The Missouri State Highway Patrol encourages everyone to make good decisions regarding their New Year’s celebration. A traffic crash would be an unfortunate way to begin 2017.
Last year over the New Year’s holiday counting period, there were 954 traffic crashes, which injured 364 people. There were seven fatalities during the 2016 New Year’s holiday counting period. The 2017 New Year's holiday counting period is from 6 p.m. on Friday, December 30, 2016, until 11:59 p.m.on Monday, January 2, 2017.
New Year's is a great opportunity to spend time with friends and family. Many Missourians will plan special gatherings to welcome 2017. If your plans include alcohol, remember that nothing ruins a party like a DWI arrest or a drinking-related traffic crash on your way home. Designate a sober driver before the party starts. The roadway is no place for a driver who has been drinking. If you cause a traffic crash, your New Year might begin with being arrested, facing legal fees and medical bills, and perhaps jail time! You could lose your license and will have to face your family and friends. If you kill or injure someone, you’ll pay the price for the rest of your life. No one wants to begin 2017 in jail. Be smart! Designate a sober driver or take a taxi.
As you drive to your New Year’s gathering, remember to buckle up and obey all traffic laws. Be a courteous driver: When in doubt, yield the right-of-way. Pay attention and use your turn signal to communicate your intentions to other drivers. The posted speed limit reflects the roadway's classification and is
not
a suggestion! There’s no reason to speed—the party starts
after
you arrive safely.
If inclement weather is expected, allow extra time for traveling or be flexible with your plans. The Road Condition Report number is 1-888-275-6636. Depending on the weather, staying home might be your best option. Remember: Missouri law states if you’re using your windshield wipers, your headlights must be turned on. It takes only a second to turn on your vehicle’s headlights. That second could make you more visible to other drivers and prevent a traffic crash.
The only 100 percent survivable traffic crash is the one that never happens. Make sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint. Every day as we travel on Missouri's roadways, we trust that every driver on the road is going to obey the speed limit, pay attention, and drive sober.
"Don't Violate The Trust."
(###)