Captain Ronald S. Johnson, commanding officer of Troop C, Weldon Spring, announces upcoming plans for Troop C officers to participate in Operation C.A.R.E. and a special enforcement program over the 2017 Memorial Day weekend. The Missouri State Highway Patrol will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness & Reduction Effort) during the long holiday weekend. This means every available officer will be on the road enforcing traffic laws and assisting motorists. Additionally, Troop C officers will be conducting an enforcement project on Interstate 70 and Interstate 44 throughout the Troop C area on Friday, May 26, 2017 and Monday, May 29, 2017. During this enforcement program, troopers will be assigned to 20-mile intervals in an effort to step up traffic enforcement with a goal of reducing traffic crashes over the holiday weekend. Over the entire holiday weekend, troopers will be targeting all traffic violations and will be especially vigilant to excessive speed, careless and imprudent driving, and aggressive driving violations. Troopers also will be available to help motorists in need of assistance.
The only 100 percent survivable traffic crash is the one that never happens. Make sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint. Every day as we travel on Missouri’s roadways, we trust that every driver on the road is going to obey the speed limit, pay attention, and drive sober. “Don’t Violate The Trust.”
The Memorial Day weekend is also an unofficial start to the boating season. Boating is a great pastime and troopers want everyone to enjoy themselves in a safe manner. Troop C troopers will be targeting all boating violations and will be especially vigilant to careless watercraft operations throughout the entire holiday weekend. Never operate a boat while you are impaired; never ride with an impaired operator. Please be courteous to others on the water, wear a life jacket, and obey the law regarding safe operation of a vessel and no wake zones. Troopers will also be available to help boaters in need of assistance.
“Memorial Day weekend is the traditional kick-off to the summer months,” said Captain Johnson. “I hope that you, your friends, and your family have the chance to enjoy this period. I encourage all Missourians to please make safety a priority as you take to our highways and waterways.”
Watercraft operators must consider the effect their actions have on others: Share the waterway and use common sense, good judgment, and courtesy to ensure the safety of all. Life jackets save lives. Wear It!!