The Missouri Highway Patrol will be increasing its number of officers on the roads this weekend to reduce the number of vehicular-related deaths and injuries over the Memorial Day holiday.
All available officers will be on duty this weekend beginning Friday at 6 p.m. and ending at midnight on Monday.
“Every available trooper will be on the road enforcing traffic laws and assisting motorists,” the highway patrol said in a press release. “Troopers will focus their attention on hazardous moving violations, speed violations, and impaired drivers.”
Last year over the holiday weekend, the highway patrol reported 10 deaths and 442 injuries in a total of 1,017 traffic crashes. Troopers are hoping for zero fatalities this year as the highway patrol will participate in Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness Reduction Effort). Officers will focus on hazardous moving violations, speed violations and impaired drivers.
Those who are hitting the road this weekend should take the following precautions:
- Use additional caution and follow all traffic laws after 6 pm on Friday.
- Be sure everyone in the vehicle is wearing a seatbelt.
- Choose a designated driver to avoid driving while intoxicated.
- Call 1-800-525-5555 or dial *55 on a cell phone to report safety hazards or get assistance from state troopers.
In addition to focusing on the roads, the highway patrol will look to reduce the number of boat-related accidents this weekend. Last year saw 12 boating accidents resulting in one death and three injuries.
“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,” the patrol said in their press release. “Always treat other boaters and property owners as you want to be treated. Never operate a boat while you are impaired.”
Those who wish to stay up to date on the latest safety news over the holiday weekend can follow the Missouri Highway Patrol on Twitter @MSHPTrooperGHQ.
