Are you among the 500 people who are alive today because of safer driving?
In advance of the extended Memorial Day holiday weekend, the Missouri Highway Patrol offers some encouraging, discouraging and cautionary information about traffic safety.
The encouraging news is the 757 traffic fatalities last year is 500 fewer than the 1,257 deaths in 2006. Sgt. Paul Reinsch of the patrol's Troop F said 500 people roughly equals the population the Central Missouri community of Chamois.
The discouraging news is the decline in fatalities has not carried over to 2014. The patrol reports a 9 percent increase in traffic deaths this year.
We can do better. The upcoming three-day holiday weekend is an opportune time to prioritize safe driving, both to avoid accidents and being stopped for traffic violations.
Law enforcement officials again this Memorial Day will be out in force to target violations.
The patrol will participate statewide in Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort), which means every available officer will be on the road enforcing laws and assisting motorists.
Drivers may report violations or summon assistance by calling the patrol's emergency assistance number, 1-800-525-5555, or *55 on a cell phone.
In addition, officers also will take part in the 20-Mile Trooper project to designate a trooper for every 20 miles on specified highways, which include I-70 and U.S. 50 and 63.
Enforcement will focus on seat belt use, careless and imprudent driving, speeding and drunk driving.
A common denominator is all these violations can be avoided. As Reinsch observed: "Traffic crashes are not accidents; they are the result of human error and can be prevented."
And he touched on a simple truth too often forgotten by motorists. "Driving is a full-time activity," Reinsch said, "requiring you to make smart decisions."
Buckle up and be vigilant, patient and sober while driving. There will be plenty of time for fun and frivolity after you arrive safely and park the vehicle.