The last long weekend of summer is getting underway and the State Highway Patrol expects a lot of Missourians to hit the roads over the next few days. Highway Patrol Captain Tim Hull says drivers can expect to see an increased police presence on the highways.
"We remind everybody that we’re going to be out there enforcing these traffic laws, trying to make it safe out there," said Hull in an interview with the Missourinet. "We’ve got several different enforcement operations that we’re going to be participating in."
Those operations include cracking down on those who drink and drive.
"A lot of times alcohol is part of that Labor Day holiday celebration," said Hull. "So, keep that in mind when you’re out there celebrating that if you are going to make that part of your celebration try to find a different mode of transportation or designate a sober driver to get you back home after that party’s over with."
Part of the Highway Patrol’s safety effort involves an increased presence and greater visibility.
"A lot of times when people just visibly see an officer out there they’re more apt to pay attention to their driving, they’re more apt to wear their seatbelt, they’re more apt to drive the speed limit," said Hull. "Better visibility makes it safer for everybody out there."
During last year’s Labor Day holiday weekend, there were nine traffic deaths and 473 injuries in 1,026 traffic crashes on Missouri’s roads. This year’s counting period runs from Friday at 6 pm through Monday night at 11:59.
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