Troopers investigate dozens of accidents over holiday period

POPLAR BLUFF, Mo. -- The highways in the 13 Southeast Missouri counties making up the Missouri State Highway Patrol's Troop E were busy and occasionally dangerous during the Christmas and New Year's counting periods.

During the New Year's counting period, which started Dec. 28 and ended Tuesday, Troop E officers investigated 58 traffic crashes that resulted in one fatality and 17 injuries, according to Capt. George E. Ridens. Troopers made 21 arrests for driving while intoxicated.

During the Christmas counting period, which began Dec. 21 and ended Dec. 25, Troop E officers investigated 34 traffic crashes that resulted in one fatality and eight injuries. Troopers also made 14 arrests for driving while intoxicated.

-- Standard Democrat