Jefferson City, MO (KTRS) Patrols will be stepped up on Missouri roadways over the Labor Day holiday weekend.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol will participate in Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness & Reduction Effort), which is aimed at reducing accidents over the holiday weekend. The 2017 counting period for the Labor Day holiday will be from 6 p.m., Friday, September 1, through 11:59 p.m., Monday, September 4, 2017.
“Many people will be traveling on Missouri’s highways during the holiday. We ask motorists to be patient and courteous while traveling during this busy time of the year,” said Captain Norman A. Murphy, acting commanding officer of Troop C, Weldon Spring.
“Troopers will be enforcing traffic laws and assisting those who are stranded. The troopers assigned to Troop C are committed to making our highways safe for everyone. Please take the job of driving seriously. Do not drink and drive, obey the speed limit, pay attention, and buckle up.” Murphy added.
Troopers throughout the state will also participate in a special enforcement operation on September 1, and again on September 4. This operation will include Interstates 29, 44, 55, and 70, and U.S. Highways 60 and 61. Troopers will be targeting all traffic violations, especially aggressive drivers.
Twenty people were killed and 429 were injured in 1,028 traffic crashes on Missouri roadways over the 2016 Labor Day holiday.
In addition, troopers will increase patrols on Missouri waterways over the Labor Day holiday weekend. Troopers will be on the lookout for boating violations, such as impaired watercraft operators.
“Let’s say farewell to summer 2017 with a safe Labor Day holiday,” said Colonel Sandra K. Karsten, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
“Use a seat belt in a vehicle or a life jacket when you’re on or near the water. No matter what you are operating–a vehicle or a vessel–be a courteous driver and obey all applicable laws. Safety starts with you. It really is that simple.” Karsten added.
The Missouri Highway Patrol is hoping for a repeat of last year, where no drownings occurred over the Labor Day holiday weekend.
There were 10 boating crashes, which included 10 injuries on Missouri waterways over the holiday weekend last year. Troopers also arrested 12 people for boating while intoxicated during last year’s counting period.
