Missouri, Illinois police presence to increase on area highways this week

Police will increase their presence on roads this week, historically one of the most dangerous during the year.

Last year, 10 Missourians were killed and 572 were injured during the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Troop presence will be "significantly higher than normal" this week, said Lt. Steve Niederkorn of the Missouri State Highway Patrol in Poplar Bluff. Every officer will be required to work either Wednesday or Sunday, peak holiday travel periods.

As part of Operation CARE, or Combined Accident Reduction Effort, officers will be looking for speeding, driving while intoxicated, lack of seat belt or child restraints, following too closely behind another vehicle, or improper lane usage.

Trooper Bridget Rice of the Illinois State Police calls these behaviors the "fatal five."

In Illinois, a trooper will be posted every 10 miles on the interstate through the "Stay Alive on the I's" campaign.

"We're going to up our enforcement on the interstates. The purpose is to reduce traffic crashes because there is a direct correlation between patrol presence and people adhering better to traffic laws," she said.

Initially, a drop in the number of holiday travelers was predicted because of the economy. But Niederkorn thinks that with dropping gas prices, "people may feel more free to travel."

Coupled with drinking commonly associated with holiday gatherings, extra precautions are necessary, he said.

According to a Missouri State Highway Patrol news release, "one person was killed or injured every 10.5 minutes during last year's Thanksgiving holiday weekend."

Drivers are encouraged to slow down, buckle up, and limit alcohol intake. Missourians can call 1-800-525-555, or *55 on a cellular phone, to reach the Highway Patrol's Emergency Assistance number. Motorists can use the number to report accidents, crimes or emergencies.

lbavolek@semissourian.com

388-3627