Missouri State Highway Patrol Captain John Hotz reminds you to buckle up during the upcoming Labor Day weekend, and to wear your life jacket on the water.
“This is kind of the last big weekend of the summer, and so everybody will be out either on the highway or on the roadways or on the waterways. And so, we’re just asking people to kind of make safety part of their weekend celebration,” Hotz says.
Ten people were killed and another 508 were injured in Missouri traffic crashes during the 2015 Labor Day holiday weekend. Hotz says that means one person was killed or injured every nine minutes.
“We do see a lot of crashes and a lot of injuries and even fatalities during this timeframe. So, again we just urge people to do their part to make sure that they are driving in a safe manner,” Hotz says.
Two people died in boating crashes during last year’s holiday weekend. Another ten were injured.
The Highway Patrol says all available officers will be patrolling roadways during the Labor Day holiday weekend, as part of Operation C.A.R.E. That stands for “Combined Accident Reduction Effort”. Hotz says officers will enforce speed limit, seat belt and alcohol laws. Troopers will also assist motorists.
Hotz says troopers will especially be visible on the roads on Friday and on Labor Day.
“You’ll see troopers on Interstates 29, 44, 55, 70 as well as U.S. Highways 60 and 61 out there at increments to increase visibility and to promote safety,” Hotz says.
Hotz encourages you to be patient and to give yourself extra time this weekend. Boaters are reminded to remain alert for other boats and to be courteous on the water.
The Patrol’s holiday counting period for fatalities is from Friday evening at 6 until Labor Day evening at 11:59.