NEWS RELEASE



For further information please contact:

Corporal Julie A. Scerine

314/340-4028

#C010539

December 15, 2005



EMPHASIS: Patrol Announces DWI Checkpoint in St. Louis County



Captain Ronald S. Johnson, Commanding Officer of Troop C, announces that the Missouri State Highway Patrol will be conducting a sobriety checkpoint in St. Louis County during the last half of the month of December. The location of the checkpoint has been determined due to previous alcohol related incidents, a high number of alcohol related contacts, and input by local troopers of the high probability of DWI offenders. The checkpoint will be conducted by the Missouri State Highway Patrol in cooperation with other area local law enforcement agencies, and will utilize the Highway Patrol’s B.A.T. van (Breath Alcohol Testing Vehicle).



“Driving while intoxicated continues to be a major contributing factor of traffic crashes on Missouri’s roadways. Removing intoxicated drivers from our roadways is a priority to the Highway Patrol, and we take that seriously. Please drive safe during the holiday season and always designate a sober driver,” states Captain Johnson.



The patrol continues to enforce the zero tolerance policy when it comes to drinking and driving and encourages the public to report suspected drunk drivers by dialing *55 or 911 on their cell phones. Through the combined effort of the Highway Patrol, local law enforcement and the citizens of Missouri, we can work together to reduce the number of traffic crashes and fatalities on Missouri’s roadways.