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
Q11811 (573) 526-6115
November 8, 2011
EMPHASIS: Please Drive Safely During Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reminds motorists that many Missourians will travel over the upcoming Thanksgiving weekend. This will change traffic patterns and requires everyone to be a courteous, safe driver. If you will be traveling this holiday, please make sure your car is in good condition before beginning your trip. It is also important that you are well rested before you start driving. Remember to buckle up -- seat belts save lives!

The Patrol will participate in Operation C.A.R.E (Combined Accident Reduction Effort) during this Thanksgiving holiday weekend. As part of this operation, all available officers will be assigned to Missouri’s roadways to enforce traffic laws, especially those related to drunk driving, speeding, and seat belt use. Troopers will also be assisting motorists as needed.

Over the past several years, the Patrol has used special traffic enforcement projects to further their efforts to decrease traffic crashes and fatalities. This Thanksgiving weekend will include a 20-mile Trooper Enforcement Operation. Troopers will work the road at 20-mile intervals along Interstates 35, 44, 55, and 70, as well as U.S. Highways 60 and 61. Missouri is currently experiencing a nine percent reduction in traffic fatalities compared to the same time period last year. The Patrol is committed to continuing crash and fatality reduction through our education and enforcement efforts.

The counting period for the 2011 Thanksgiving holiday weekend is from 6 p.m. Wednesday, November 23, 2011, until 11:59 p.m. Sunday, November 27, 2011. During the 2010 Thanksgiving holiday weekend, seven persons were killed and another 514 were injured in 1,383 traffic crashes. That means traffic crashes killed or injured one person every 11.7 minutes in Missouri over last year's Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

“Spending time with your family is important," said Colonel Ron Replogle, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. "We want everyone to arrive at their Thanksgiving destination safely. Please obey all traffic laws, wear your seat belt, and pay attention--that text or cell phone call can wait. If alcohol is part of your plan, don’t drink and drive. On behalf of the employees of the Missouri State Highway Patrol I wish you a healthy and happy Thanksgiving.”

The Highway Patrol’s Emergency Assistance number is 1-800-525-5555 (or *55 on a cellular phone). Motorists should use this emergency assistance number to report traffic crashes, crimes being committed, or other emergencies on Missouri’s highways. When you dial this number anywhere in the state, it rings directly into the closest Patrol headquarters.

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