State troopers coming out in force for weekend

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says it will schedule every available officer statewide to patrol Missouri roadways during the Labor Day holiday. The counting period began at 6 p.m. Friday and will end at 11:59 p.m. Monday. The patrol and other local law enforcement will participate in CARE, the combined accident reduction effort.

Last year, 14 people were killed and 684 people were injured in 1,487 traffic accidents over the Labor Day weekend. That averages out to one killed or injured every 6.7 minutes.

Over the past five years, 65 persons were killed and 3,271 injured in Labor Day holiday crashes.

Travelers who need assistance or who want to report a drunken or careless driver or illegal activity on the highways, or a stalled motorist may call the emergency line at (800) 525-5555. On a cellular phone, dial *55.

To receive the latest road conditions for major Missouri highways, call (800) 222-6400 or (573) 526-8828.