MACON, MO -- The Missouri State Highway Patrol reported the 2011 Fourth of July 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 61 on Friday, July 1 and Monday, July 4.

During the 2011 Fourth of July weekend traffic crash counting period, which began at 6 p.m., Friday, July 1 and ended at 11:59 p.m., Monday, July 4. Troop B officers investigated 28 traffic crashes resulting in 11 injuries and no fatalities.  Preliminary enforcement totals show officers made 476 arrests, including 9 arrests for driving while
intoxicated.

"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.