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
Q7212020-1 (573) 526-6115
July 21, 2020
EMPHASIS: Patrol Provides Results Of High Speed Enforcement Campaign
Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, would like to provide the public with the results of the Patrol’s high speed enforcement campaign. From noon to midnight each day on July 17-18, 2020, troopers’ enforcement activity included:
Citations for moving violations – 668
Warnings – 1,256
Traffic Stops – 2,557
Speed Citations – 598
Seat Belt Citations – 264
Motorist Assists – 513
Crashes – 119
It is worth noting that 200 of the 598 speed citations were to motorists traveling 20+ mph over the speed limit.
This high speed enforcement campaign was an effort to address a drastic increase in egregious speed and hazardous moving violations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fatal crashes have increased dramatically in Missouri, despite a period of significantly lower traffic volume. Currently, Missouri is experiencing a 16 percent increase in traffic fatalities compared to last year.
Across the state, the Missouri State Highway Patrol has seen a 58 percent increase in speeds at or above 26 mph over the speed limit from January through June 2020 when compared to the four-year average. Troopers issued 4,869 summonses to drivers traveling 26 mph or more over the speed limit during that time. The data shows the most common violators are between the ages of 15 and 29. Most of the speed violations occur during the weekend.
Col. Olson reminds the public speed is one of the leading contributing factors to fatal traffic crashes. There is never a good reason for a motorist to exceed the speed limit and endanger others. Virus or not, troopers remain vigilant and are enforcing the law. Troopers with the Iowa State Patrol, Arkansas State Police, Nebraska State Patrol, and Kansas Highway Patrol joined Missouri’s troopers in the enforcement campaign. All officers focused on enforcing traffic laws related to excessive speed, hazardous moving/aggressive driving, and distracted driving.
Too many people die in traffic crashes each year in Missouri. The choices you make when you’re behind the wheel matter. Make good choices, so you’ll never have to say, “If I could just go back …”
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