State Patrol Out in Force for Memorial Day Weekend

The Patrol will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort) during the long holiday weekend. This means every available officer will be on the road enforcing traffic laws and assisting motorists. In addition, the Patrol will assign troopers to 20-mile intervals along Interstates 35, 44, 55, and 70, and U.S. Highways 60 and 63 on May 25, and May 28.

Troopers taking part in the 20-Mile Trooper enforcement project will be alert for all traffic offenses, and be especially vigilant to aggressive driving violations.

Motorists or boaters in need of assistance or who want to report a crime should use the Highway Patrol’s Highway Emergency Assistance number 1-800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone. For road condition reports, travelers can visit our web site at www.mshp.dps.mo.gov and click on the road condition icon to view road construction areas throughout the state.

Over the 2011 Memorial Day holiday weekend, four people died and 415 were injured in 1,019 traffic crashes. That is one person killed or injured every 11.2 minutes. Last year, 133 motoriests were arrested for DWI.

This year’s fatality counting period for the holiday weekend begins at 6 p.m. Friday, May 25, and ends at 11:59 p.m. Monday, May 28. Troopers will focus their attention on seat belt use, use of child safety seats, intoxicated drivers, and speed violations.

The Memorial Day weekend is also an unofficial start to the boating season. During the 2011 Memorial Day weekend, there were 10 boating accidents with one injury and no fatalities. In addition, two people drowned over the holiday weekend.

Officers arrested 23 people for boating while intoxicated.

“I encourage every driver — of a vehicle or a vessel — to make safety part of their three-day weekend plans,” said Col. Ron Replogle, patrol superintendent.