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
Q6182020 (573) 526-6115
June 18, 2020
EMPHASIS: Patrol: Plan A Safe July Fourth Weekend!
Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, encourages Missouri’s travelers to make smart choices for a safe July Fourth holiday. The state’s wide variety of recreational opportunities are a great way to celebrate our nation’s freedoms. But, no matter what you plan for the long weekend, you can’t go wrong if you choose to follow all Missouri traffic and boating laws. It is also important to observe social distancing and other CDC guidelines related to the coronavirus, and stay home if you are ill.
During the 2019 counting period, 15 people were killed and 457 injured in Missouri over the holiday in 1,109 traffic crashes. Over the 2019 July Fourth holiday, troopers arrested 162 people for driving while intoxicated. In 2019, there were nine boating crashes, which included four injuries and zero fatalities. Three people drowned during last year's July Fourth holiday. Troopers made 13 boating while intoxicated arrests in 2019.
The 2020 counting period for the July Fourth holiday will be from 6 p.m., Thursday, July 2, to 11:59 p.m., Sunday, July 6, 2020.
The Highway Patrol will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness & Reduction Effort) and Operation Dry Water over the July Fourth holiday weekend. Operation Dry Water specifically targets impaired vessel operators. All available troopers will be patrolling Missouri roadways and waterways to enforce traffic and boating laws, and offering assistance as needed.
Remember: Statutes direct motorists to drive with the highest degree of care. There is never a good reason to drive over the speed limit. Please be a courteous driver and follow all traffic laws. Never drink and drive, and always use a seat belt!
Missouri’s boaters are asked to do their part by remaining alert for other boats and swimmers, and being courteous on the water. With more boats on the water, it is even more important to pay attention when operating your vessel. Never operate a vessel if you’ve consumed alcohol. Boaters need to be aware that it is illegal to discharge fireworks from a vessel. Leave all fireworks in a safe place on shore.
Anyone needing assistance or who witnesses criminal activity while traveling on Missouri’s roadways or waterways can contact the nearest Highway Patrol troop headquarters by calling the Patrol Emergency Report Line at 1-800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone. Motorists may call 1-888-275-6636 to check for road construction along their travel route.
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 …”
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!!
(###)