Community Corner

Fourth of July Travel Safety Tips for the Road

Troopers throughout the state will participate in a 20-Mile Trooper operation on July 3 and 7, targeting all traffic violations.

The Fourth of July is sure to entail a lot of fun for many. According to AAA, 40.8 million Americans will journey 50 miles or more from home during the holiday. Of that, 84 percent of travelers will travel via automobile, which makes for a lot of cars, trucks and minivans on the road.

Col. Ron Replogle, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) said Missouri travelers should remember in 2012, four people were killed and 194 injured in Missouri over the holiday. There were also 385 traffic crashes.

According to the MSHP, one person was killed or injured every 9.1 minutes. 

The Highway Patrol will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort) over the July Fourth holiday weekend, which means a lot more state troopers on the road.

All available officers will be patrolling Missouri’s roadways enforcing Missouri’s speed limit, seat belt, and alcohol laws, in addition to being available to assist motorists, according to MSHP.

Troopers throughout the state will participate in a 20-Mile Trooper operation on Wednesday, July 3, and Sunday, July 7, 2013. This operation will include Interstates 35, 44, 55, and 70, and U.S. Highways 60 and 63. Troopers will be targeting all traffic violations, and be especially vigilant of aggressive driving violations.

Here are a few tips via insurance.com for safe road travel. For more tips, click here:

  • Check your tires. Check your tire pressure before you leave for a road trip. Low tire levels can potentially reduce fuel efficiency, as well as being a safety issue.
  • Make sure your battery has enough juice. If your battery is old, toss the jumper cables in the trunk before you leave.
  • Turn on your lights. Check your headlights, tail lights and turn signals before you start a trip. 
  • Pack a first aid kit and roadside assistance kit.Consider packing water, a flash light, non-perishable food and extra batteries and your phone's charger or extra battery.
  • Don't drink and drive. Whether you are at a cook-out close to home or traveling to see fireworks, drinking and driving don't mix. 
  • Buckle Up. Wearing seatbelts every time you drive is the easiest way to help keep you and your family safe in the event of an accident. 


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