KIRKSVILLE, MO -- With Fourth of July celebrations in full swing, the Missouri state highway patrol is reminding everyone that they will be out in full force patrolling Missouri highways and waterways looking for impaired drivers and helping those in need this week.

“As far as traffic safety is concerned over this holiday period, the highway patrol will be participating in operation CARE, which is the Combined Accident Reduction Effort. This means that all available troopers will be working at some time over the holiday period. In addition to that, on the peak travel days of July 3^rd and 8^th, Troop B will be participating in the 20 mile trooper program meaning that troopers will be stationed at 20 mile intervals on US Highway 61, 36, and 63,” said Missouri State Highway Patrol Sergeant Brent Bernhardt.

Last year during the Fourth of July holiday, 14 people were killed across Missouri highways. The patrol also reminds you that if you are on a waterway that you must have enough life jackets for everyone on board and anyone under the age of seven must be wearing one at all times.