The Missouri State Highway Patrol is urging motorists to wear seat belts and obey traffic laws during the upcoming holiday season.
The patrol will participate in Operation C.A.R.E from Nov. 21 through Nov. 25. As part of this operation, all available officers will be assigned to Missouri’s roadways to enforce
traffic laws, especially those related to drunk driving, speeding and seat belt use. Troopers will also be assisting motorists as needed.
During the 2006 Thanksgiving holiday weekend, one person was killed or injured every 10.3 minutes. There were 15 fatalities and another 581 injured in 1,387 traffic crashes.
Motorists are reminded of the highway patrol’s emergency assistance number at
800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone. The emergency assistance number should be used to report traffic crashes, crimes being committed or other emergencies on Missouri’s highways. When you dial this number anywhere in the state, it rings directly into the closest patrol headquarters.
“I urge motorists to drive carefully and obey Missouri’s traffic laws,” said Col. James F. Keathley, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. “The patrol is saving lives and drivers can help. Wear your seat belt, pay attention, obey the speed limit, and don’t drink and drive.”