Colonel Sandra K. Karsten, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, urges Missouri’s travelers to drive and boat responsibly during the 2017 Labor Day weekend. Whether you are driving or boating, safety must be at the forefront of your plans.
The 2017 counting period for the Labor Day holiday will be from 6pm on Friday, September 1st through 11:59pm on Monday, September 4th.
During this count period the Missouri State Highway Patrol will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E. During this Operation C.A.R.E. Speed, inattention, and impaired driving are leading causes of traffic crashes. Thus, all available troopers will be patrolling Missouri’s roadways enforcing Missouri’s speed limit, seat belt, and impaired driving laws in addition to being available to assist motorists.
Colonel Karsten reminds the public that the Labor Day holiday is a busy boating weekend. In an effort to increase safety on our state’s waters, all available officers will be working over the holiday weekend. Missouri’s boaters are asked to do their part by remaining alert for other boats and swimmers, and being courteous on the water. With more boats on the water, it is even more important to pay attention when operating a vessel.
Remember: Never operate a vessel while you are impaired. Alcohol consumption slows reaction time. Avoid overloading your boat with too many passengers and pay close attention to the boats around you. Check your vessel’s navigation lights before heading out at night, be sure to have spare bulbs on board, and observe Missouri’s nighttime speed limit of 30 mph on the water. Causing harm to another person or their property with an excessive boat wake may subject you to enforcement action or civil liability. Treat other boaters and property owners as you want to be treated.
The public is encouraged to call the Patrol’s Emergency Report Line (800) 525-5555 or *55 on your cellular phone if they witness criminal activity or experience an emergency. These emergency numbers are operational for both highway and water emergencies.
