The Missouri State Highway Patrol offers assistance to victims of impaired drivers.
Since 1997, the Filling a V.O.I.D. program has provided information, support and assistance to victims and their families. Often, the troopers who work the road are the first persons to come into contact with victims. Thus, every trooper receives specialized training while attending the Patrol’s Law Enforcement Academy. Every zone has someone who serves as a coordinator for the Filling a V.O.I.D. program and every troop has a designated troop coordinator.
The patrol understands that troopers and advocates can impact the long-term recovery of a victim by helping them and their families obtain assistance from victim service providers and other organizations during a traumatic time in their lives. If you, a member of your family or a passenger in your vehicle have been injured by an impaired driver (alcohol or drugs), you are eligible for assistance through the Filling a V.O.I.D. program. Pedestrians or their family members who have been involved in an impairment-related traffic crash also qualify. To utilize the resources, go to the patrol’s website and click on the V.O.I.D. link. The advocate can help you understand the criminal justice process, address your concerns and request information. You can also call the Crime Victim Hotline 1-888-773-1800. In 2016, troopers and the patrol’s civilian advocate assisted 13 children, 118 adults and 18 elderly persons through the Filling a V.O.I.D. program.
The patrol said it strives to serve and protect everyone in the state. In 2016, preliminary statistics indicate troopers cited 7,319 alcohol and drug related driving violations. “We take impaired driving seriously and removing impaired drivers from Missouri’s roadways is one of our top priorities,” said Sandra K. Karsten, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. “Driving impaired is a choice no one should make. Please choose to designate a sober driver or call a cab if you drink.” More preliminary statistics show there were 5,646 traffic crashes involving impaired drivers. In those crashes, 227 people died and 3,480 people were injured.