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
Q8091 (573) 526-6115
August 19, 2009

EMPHASIS: Labor Day Holiday

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reminds motorists to expect a change in traffic patterns during the Labor Day weekend. Many families will plan one last special outing to mark the end of summer.

The Labor Day counting period will begin at 6 p.m. on Friday, September 4, and end at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, September 7, 2009. Last year, 9 people were killed and 473 persons were injured in 1,026 traffic crashes occurring during the Labor Day holiday counting period. The Patrol, along with local law enforcement, will participate in Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort), as well as the You Drink, You Drive, You Lose campaign (August 19 through September 7, 2009) during this holiday weekend.

If alcohol is part of your Labor Day holiday celebration, don’t drink and drive. Getting arrested could be the least of your concerns. There are court costs, medical bills, or perhaps jail time. If you kill or injure someone, you’ll pay a price for the rest of your life.
If you choose to drink this Labor Day holiday, choose a designated driver.

"The Patrol has zero tolerance for drunk driving,” said Colonel James F. Keathley, superintendent of the Patrol. "Troopers are vigilant in their quest to remove intoxicated drivers from Missouri’s roadways.”

Colonel Keathley urges drivers to obey Missouri’s traffic laws, and watch for changes in traffic patterns due to the number of travelers or road construction. “Everyone in the vehicle should buckle up. The Patrol, along with other state and local law enforcement agencies, has worked diligently to decrease traffic fatalities in Missouri through educational and enforcement programs,” said Colonel Keathley. “To help ensure everyone's safety, offer assistance, and enforce Missouri's traffic laws, the Highway Patrol will schedule every available officer to patrol the roadways. In addition, troopers will be assigned to 10-mile increments along Interstates 29, 44, 55, and 70, in an effort to increase awareness and safety.”

The public is reminded that the Heat Is On. The Missouri State Highway Patrol and law enforcement agencies across the state are participating in High Enforcement Action Teams until September 7, 2009. This cooperative effort has a mission of reducing the number of fatal and injury traffic crashes during the 70 most dangerous days of the year.

Travelers needing assistance, or reporting a drunk or careless driver, illegal activity on the highways, or a stalled motorist can call the Patrol's Emergency Hotline at 1-800-525-5555 or, on a cellular phone, dial *55. To receive the latest road conditions for major Missouri highways, motorists may call the Patrol's Road Condition Hotline at 1-800-222-6400 or (573) 526-8828.
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