Highway Patrol Troop D ready for Fourth of July weekend

(From Highway Patrol Troop D)

Captain Juan Villanueva, commanding officer Troop D, Springfield, announces upcoming plans for Troop D officers to participate in Operation C.A.R.E. and 20-Mile Trooper enforcement programs over the 2017 July Fourth weekend.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness & Reduction Effort) during the long holiday weekend. This means every available officer will be on the road enforcing traffic laws and assisting motorists. Additionally, Troop D officers will be conducting a 20-Mile Trooper project on Interstate 44 throughout the Troop D area on Friday, June 30, 2017, and Tuesday, July 4, 2017.

During this enforcement program, troopers will be assigned to 20-mile intervals in an effort to step up traffic enforcement with a goal of reducing traffic crashes over the holiday weekend. Enforcement efforts on secondary roads within Troop D will be conducted during the same time frame. Over the entire holiday weekend, troopers will be targeting all traffic violations and will be especially vigilant to excessive speed, careless and imprudent driving, and aggressive driving violations.

The Fourth of July holiday is one of the busiest boating holidays of the year and troopers will also be working on the state’s waterways to enforce Missouri’s boating laws and assist where needed. Missouri’s boaters are asked to do their part by remaining alert for other boats and swimmers, and being courteous on the water. With more boats on the water, it is even more important to pay attention when operating your vessel. Never operate a boat while you are impaired and never ride with an impaired operator. Wear a life jacket, and obey the law regarding safe operation of a vessel and no wake zones.

“We want everyone’s July Fourth Holiday to be safe and enjoyable, especially as you travel on Missouri’s highways,” stated Captain Villanueva. “I would like to urge all motorists to make sure safe driving is a part of your plans. Make sure everyone is wearing a seat belt, and never drink and drive. Should you be celebrating the holiday on the water, I want to remind everyone to ensure they are wearing an approved life jacket while in a vessel and don’t operate a vessel while drinking."

The only 100 percent survivable traffic crash is the one that never happens. Make sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint. Every day as we travel on Missouri’s roadways, we trust that every driver on the road is going to obey the speed limit, pay attention, and drive sober. “Don’t Violate The Trust.”

Watercraft operators must consider the effect their actions have on others: Share the waterway and use common sense, good judgment, and courtesy to ensure the safety of all. Life jackets save lives. Wear It!!