For further information please contact: Capt. J. Tim Hull
Q61312-1 (573) 526-6115
June 20, 2012

EMPHASIS: Have A Safe July Fourth Weekend!

Colonel Ron Replogle, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, reminds Missouri’s travelers of the importance of safety during the upcoming July Fourth holiday.

In 2011, 14 people were killed and 478 injured in Missouri over the holiday in 1,055 traffic crashes. One person was killed or injured every 9.5 minutes. Of that total, troopers worked 259 crashes, including eight of the fatalities and 130 injuries during the 2011 July Fourth holiday. Troopers arrested 168 people for driving while intoxicated during last year’s holiday weekend.

The 2012 counting period for the July Fourth holiday will be from 6 p.m., Tuesday, July 3, to 11:59 p.m., Wednesday, July 4. This is a 30-hour counting period compared to the 2011 holiday counting period of 78 hours.

The Highway Patrol will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort) over the July Fourth 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 July 3 and July 8, 2012. This operation will include Interstates 35, 44, 55, and 70, and U.S. Highways 60 and 61. 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.

The Highway Patrol also reminds the public that the Fourth of July holiday is one of the busiest boating holidays of the year. In 2011, there were no boating fatalities. However, eight people were injured in 11 boat crashes. One person drowned in the Current River in Carter County during last year's July Fourth holiday. 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:
· Distractions and alcohol consumption slow reaction time.
· Appoint a passenger to help monitor the other boats around you.
· Make evasive maneuvers early and deliberately.

The many firework displays after dark attract many more boaters at night.

At night, remember to:
· Check your vessel’s navigation lights before heading out, and be sure to have spare bulbs on board.
· Avoid overloading your boat with too many passengers. This can cause the boat to become swamped and affect the handling of the boat.
· Observe Missouri’s nighttime speed limit of 30 miles per hour on the water.
· Slow down and take your time. Nighttime accidents tend to involve more serious injuries and damage, due to the lack of visibility.

Finally, it is illegal to discharge fireworks from a vessel, so leave them in a safe place on shore.

“Please be courteous whether operating a vessel or vehicle,” 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 operating your boat or your car. Don't become a statistic.”

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