The Highway Patrol leadership change begins. Maj. Ronald Replogle is the new head of the Missouri Highway Patrol. He says he’s worked under Colonel James Keathley for several years.

Replogle says he doesn’t think the patrol will notice a big change after the transition in leadership because he supports many of the successful programs Col. James Keathley put into place. One such success he noted is the reduction in traffic fatalities. Missouri has hit a low not seen for decades. Both he and Keathley attribute the reduction to strengthened enforcement in drinking and driving as well as public awareness campaigns.

However, Replogle says accidents due to inattention — namely because people are texting while driving — is a new challenge the patrol is facing.

Replogle is a 26-year veteran with the patrol, including extensive work with the Criminal Investigation Bureau. [Read more...]