The Missouri State Highway Patrol will be in full effect this Independence Day, with more officers on the road to enforce speed and safety rules. Interstates 44, 55, and 70 will have state troopers stationed every twenty miles on July 3 and July 7.
Captain J. Tim Hull says that the best thing drivers and boaters can do is to stay secure. “We always encourage motorists and watercraft operators to protect themselves by making sure that everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seatbelt and that everyone in the vessel is wearing an approved life jacket," he says. "That in and of itself can save a lot of lives.” In the water, officers will ensure that no fireworks are being shot from boats, and will enforce the nighttime speed limit of 30 mph.
Last year, four people died and 194 were injured on Missouri roads over the 4th of July holiday. There were also four boating accidents.
Captain Hull says that that 20 people have already drowned this year. Last year, three people drowned during the holiday. “You can’t remind people enough that if they’re going to be around water make sure that you’ve got a life jacket, cause you never know if you could get knocked unconscious, and that life jacket will help you float," he cautions. "That could save a lot of lives, by having a life jacket on whenever you’re in and around the water.”
In St. Louis, the police will be on alert for drunk driving and will enforce DWI Saturation Patrols from July 3rd - 7th. Drivers can call for assistance and/or report any suspicious behavior by calling 1-800-525-5555 or by pressing *55 on a cell phone.