Patrol targeting dangerous drivers

Troop E of the Missouri State Highway Patrol recently concluded two roadway safety projects targeting big-rig truck drivers and drunken drivers.

According to information from Sgt. Larry Plunkett, a Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program project in Cape Girardeau and Scott counties netted 132 arrests and 291 warnings. The arrests included one driving while intoxicated, one misdemeanor drug arrest, three misdemeanor criminal arrests, 56 commercial vehicle violation arrests and a host of other violations. The operation, which took place June 11, was a cooperative effort involving the patrol's commercial vehicle officers and troopers for an intense one-day operation.

On Friday evening, at locations in Stoddard and Butler counties, sobriety checkpoints resulted in two DWI arrests, two misdemeanor drug arrests, 73 warnings and a total of 10 arrests.

"These types of operations are extremely important in promoting safer driving among commercial vehicle drivers and our everyday drivers in Southeast Missouri," said Capt. George Ridens, commanding officer of Troop E. "The public should be aware that the patrol's efforts will continue throughout the summer months and will be at various locations throughout Southeast Missouri."