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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
Q12095 (573) 526-6115

December 8, 2009
EMPHASIS: Have A Safe Christmas Holiday!

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reminds travelers that holiday drivers will affect traffic patterns. If you’re planning a trip during the holiday, please keep this in mind. Check the weather forecast and plan accordingly. The Road Condition Report number is 1-800-222-6400. If bad weather is expected, make sure your vehicle is winterized. Allow extra time to reach your destination and obey all traffic laws.
Last year over the Christmas holiday, there were 1,356 traffic crashes during the counting period. In those crashes, 15 people were killed and another 477 were injured. This year’s traffic crash counting period begins at 6 p.m. on Thursday, December 24, and ends at 11:59 p.m. Sunday, December 27, 2008. Please remember to wear your seat belt, pay attention to your driving, and please, don’t drink and drive.
If faced with a traffic emergency, motorists can contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol at 1-800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone. This emergency number will ring into the nearest Highway Patrol headquarters. Motorists should use this number if they are in a traffic crash, witness a crash or crime, or pass a stranded motorist in need of assistance, etc.
“Last year, a Missouri family was affected by a traffic crash every 12.4 minutes,” said Colonel James F. Keathley. “The holiday season is supposed to be a time of celebration, not sadness. I urge you to drive courteously, wear your seat belt, and obey Missouri's traffic laws. If you decide to include alcohol in your celebrations, please don’t drive. On behalf of the employees of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, I wish you a safe, happy holiday.”


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