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MACON, MO -- The Missouri State Highway Patrol announces the 2012 Memorial Day weekend traffic crash and enforcement totals for the Troop B area, which consists of the 16 northeast counties of Missouri.  During the holiday weekend, troopers participated in Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort), and as an added enforcement effort also conducted a 20-Mile Trooper Operation on U.S. Highways 24, 36, and 63 on Friday, May 25, 2012, and Monday, May 28, 2012.

During the 2012 Memorial Day weekend traffic crash counting period, which began at 6 p.m., Friday, May 25, 2012, and ended at 11:59 p.m., Monday, May 28, 2012, Troop B officers investigated 24 traffic crashes resulting in five injuries.  Preliminary enforcement totals show officers issued 564 summonses for exceeding the posted speed limit; 147 summonses for seat belt violations; 1,086 warnings; made 17 arrests for driving while intoxicated. In addition, troopers assisted 198 motorists.

“Even though this major holiday period has ended, we want to urge motorists to continue to drive safely and always wear their seat belts,” stated Captain Wilt.