Safe driving

Keeping highways safe is a primary goal of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, and an all-out effort during the Fourth of July weekend (6 p.m. July 3 to midnight July 6) had a significant effect in the the Southeast Missouri counties patrolled by Troop E, with headquarters in Poplar Bluff, Mo. For the first time in several years, there were no highway fatalities in that area during the long holiday weekend.

Highway patrol officials credit close monitoring by patrolmen and several arrests of motorists driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs for making area roads safer. There is little doubt that the high visibility of patrol cars encourages motorists to drive safely and within the speed limits.

Other highway patrol districts recorded a total of 10 fatalities during the same holiday period.

Driving safely is, first and foremost, the responsibility of every motorist who gets behind the wheel of a vehicle. That motorist also has the responsibility for seeing that seat belts and car seats are properly used by all passengers. With conscientious drivers and the presence of highway patrolmen and other law enforcement officers on our highways, fewer accidents occur that can cause serious injury and death.

The highway patrol and motorists in Southeast Missouri are to be commended for a no-fatality holiday.