Our Opinion: Don't spoil a time of celebration

The extended Independence Day weekend is intended to be a time of celebration.

Last year, that celebration was spoiled for:

• The motorists involved in 1,233 traffic crashes, including nine who were killed and and 525 who were injured.

• The boaters involved in 21 crashes, which included two fatalities and 16 injuries.

• The four drowning victims.

• The 155 people arrested for driving while intoxicated.

Much of this carnage is preventable. Alcohol impairment, aggressive driving and inattention are what law enforcement authorities will be targeting when they patrol the roadways and waterways during the three-day weekend.

Among holiday initiatives:

• This weekend also corresponds with one of the quarterly DWI enforcement mobilization dates, which includes checkpoints and enforcement. The Missouri Highway Patrol reminds motorists and boaters that troopers have zero tolerance for drinking and driving, whether on the road or on the water.

• The patrol will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort) over this holiday weekend, which means all available officers will be patrolling Missouri's roadways enforcing Missouri's traffic laws.

• Troopers also will participate in a 20-Mile Trooper operation on Thursday through Sunday. The operation involves officers concentrating on portions of interstates 35, 44, 55 and 70, and U.S. highways 60 and 63. The patrol said troopers will be highly visible while targeting all traffic violations, and be especially vigilant of aggressive driving violations.

As always, troopers' dual responsibilities will include enforcing laws and assisting motorists. Travelers may report criminal activity or request assistance by calling the Patrol Emergency Report Line at 1-800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone.

Motorists also are advised to check for road construction or possible flooding along their travel route.

Don't ruin the Fourth of July celebration for yourself or for others.

Be attentive and responsible while traveling, and save the alcohol until after you've arrived at the destination or docked the boat.