Motorists and boaters are urged to exercise care during the Memorial Day holiday weekend, because the Missouri Highway Patrol will be emphasizing Operation C.A.R.E.
The patrol again will participate in the Combined Accident Reduction Effort (C.A.R.E.) throughout the holiday weekend. During the operation, every available officer will be on the road enforcing traffic laws and assisting motorists.
Troopers also will be taking part in the 20-Mile Trooper enforcement project, where troopers will be assigned to 20-mile intervals along interstates 29, 44, 55, and 70, and U.S. highways 60 and 61. From Friday through Monday, officers will be enforcing all traffic laws, with special attention to aggressive driving offenses.
Members of the Water Patrol division also will be patrolling the state's waterways this weekend, which marks the unofficial start of the boating season.
Statistics from last year are cause for concern. During the 2014 Memorial Day weekend, nine people died and 407 were injured in 946 traffic crashes. In addition, 146 DWI arrested were made.
On the waterways, no drownings were recorded and two people were injured in seven boating accidents. Troopers arrested 20 people for boating while intoxicated.
The patrol presence during the holiday weekend is both to enforce the law and to assist motorists and boaters.
The public is encouraged to help with both efforts. Motorists or boaters who want to report a crime or need assistance may call the patrol's emergency assistance number 1-800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone.
"Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers will be available to assist you during the long holiday weekend should you need us." said Col. J. Bret Johnson, patrol superintendent. "Please do your part. Whether you're on the highway or on the water, be courteous and pay attention. If alcohol is part of your plan, don't operate a vehicle or vessel. It truly is that simple."
An extended weekend can be time for recreation and relaxation. But it also may create haste, impatience, frustration, excitement and carelessness.
Johnson's advice is both simple and effective - don't drink and drive, wear safety devices, be attentive and enjoy the holiday.