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
Q121410 (573) 526-6115

December 14, 2009
EMPHASIS: Have A Safe Christmas Holiday!

The Missouri State Highway Patrol would like to inform the public that last year over the Christmas holiday, there were 1,749 traffic crashes during the counting period. In those crashes, 11 people were killed and another 557 were injured. This year’s traffic crash counting period begins at 6 p.m. on Thursday, December 23, and ends at 11:59 p.m. Sunday, December 26, 2010. Please remember to wear your seat belt, pay attention to your driving, and please, don’t drink and drive.
Travelers are reminded that holiday drivers will affect traffic patterns. If you’re planning a trip during the holiday, please keep this in mind. Check the weather forecast and plan accordingly. The Road Condition Report number is 1-800-222-6400. If bad weather is expected, make sure your vehicle is winterized. Allow extra time to reach your destination and obey all traffic laws.
If faced with a traffic emergency, motorists can contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol at 1-800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone. This emergency number will ring into the nearest Highway Patrol headquarters. Motorists should use this number if they are in a traffic crash, witness a crash or crime, or pass a stranded motorist in need of assistance, etc.
“Last year, a Missouri family was affected by a traffic crash every 8.2 minutes,” said Colonel Ron Replogle. “Please be a safe, courteous driver. The holidays should be a time of celebration, not sadness. Wear your seat belt, obey Missouri's traffic laws, and plan ahead for traffic or weather patterns that could affect your route. If you decide to include alcohol in your celebrations, please don’t drive. On behalf of the employees of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, I wish you a safe, happy holiday.”


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