Each person on the roadways and waterways during the upcoming Labor Day weekend has a role to play in public safety.
The Missouri Highway Patrol again will participate in Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort), which places all available troopers on patrol to enforce laws and assist motorists.
The operative word in C.A.R.E., however, is combined.
Most collisions involve two or more vehicles or boats. But, often, only one operator is careless, negligent, distracted or intoxicated.
Don't be that person.
Safety is particularly important during the three-day holiday weekend when traffic on roadways and waterways increases significantly as people enjoy recreation and activities marking the traditional end of summer.
As volume increases, so does the potential for an accident.
Last year, six people died and 369 people were injured in 901 traffic crashes during the Labor Day weekend. In addition, troopers arrested 94 people for driving while intoxicated during the period.
On the waterways, 13 boating crashes caused five injuries last year during the holiday weekend. No fatalities occurred. Arrests for boating while intoxicated totaled 14 during the counting period.
Each of us boosts public safety when we remain attentive, observe speed limits and obey traffic laws, including those regarding alcohol consumption. Wearing seat belts in vehicles and life jackets in vessels is equally important.
Law enforcement's job is to watch for drivers and boaters who are violating the those and jeopardizing public safety. In addition to maximizing their presence, the patrol will conduct a special enforcement on interstates and specified U.S. highways.
Another way you can help is by reporting criminal activities or emergencies by calling the Patrol's Emergency Report Line at 1-800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone.
Public safety has been taking a beating this year. Col. J. Bret Johnson, patrol superintendent, reported in an Aug. 18 letter that traffic fatalities are 12 percent higher this year compared to 2014.
It's time to reverse that dire statistic, and there's no better time to begin than Labor Day weekend.
With a combined effort, it can be done.