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
Q122010 (573) 526-6115

December 20, 2010
EMPHASIS: Bring In The New Year Safely!

The end of this year is fast approaching, and many Missourians will make plans to bring in 2011 in a special way. The Missouri State Highway Patrol encourages everyone to make good decisions regarding their New Year’s celebration. If the weather is bad, allow extra time for traveling or be flexible with your plans. Staying home might be safer.
If you do plan to drive to a New Year’s gathering, remember to buckle up and obey all traffic laws. If your plans include alcohol, choose a designated driver. The highway is no place for a driver who has been drinking. If you cause a traffic crash, your new year might bring getting arrested, court costs, medical bills, or jail time! If you kill or injure someone, you’ll pay a price for the rest of your life. The highway is no place for a driver who has been drinking. No one wants to begin 2011 in jail. Be smart! Designate a sober driver or take a taxi.
During the New Year’s traffic crash counting period from 6 p.m., Friday, December 31, 2010 to 11:59 p.m. Sunday, January 2, 2011, all available officers will be on the roadways. Last year, 1,198 traffic crashes occurred in Missouri over the New Year’s holiday weekend. In those crashes five people were killed and 386 were injured.
“On behalf of the employees of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, I wish each of you a happy and safe beginning to 2011,” said Colonel Ron Replogle, superintendent of the Patrol.


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