Missouri State Highway Patrol Beefs Up Enforcement for Upcoming Labor Day Weekend

Intro:	Labor Day Weekend has been notorious for its accidents in Missouri. The Missouri Highway and Water Patrols say they are going to try and change that this weekend.
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Wrap: More than 1,000 accidents resulted in 14 deaths on Missouri roadways and and water ways last Labor Day weekend.

The Missouri Highway Patrol calls the holiday weekend the last "heavy traffic weekend" of the year.

John Hotz, spokesman for the Highway Patrol, says that means no holiday for his workers.

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Description: "All available officers will be patrolling Missouri roadways. Both enforcing Missouri traffic laws as well as assisting those motorists who may be in need."

Hotz says the biggest enforcement areas will be on Interstates 33, 44, 55, and 70, and U.S. Highways 60 and 63.

Reporting from Jefferson City, I'm Matt Evans.

Intro:	With Labor Day Weekend right around the corner, the Missouri State Highway and Water Patrols are getting ready for a busy couple of days.
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Wrap: To deal with the increase of folks on the road and water this weekend, the Missouri Highway and Water Patrols say they'll be out in full force and cracking down on alcohol related offenses.

In more than 1,000 accidents 14 people were killed during the holiday weekend last year.

John Hotz is a spokesperson for the Highway Patrol and he says the numbers are too high.

He also says the Highway Patrol will be setting up sobriety checkpoints throughout busy parts of the state.

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Description: "If you're going to drink we want to make sure you choose a safe way home and we want you to do that in advance. Unfortunately, some people wait until they've already been drinking before they decide how they're going to get home, and that's when we see bad decisions made."

Hotz says officers will heavily enforce Interstates 33, 44, 55, 70, and U.S. Highways 60 and 63.

Reporting from Jefferson City, I'm Matt Evans.

Intro:	The Missouri Water and Highway Patrols are stepping up enforcement for the upcoming holiday weekend.
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Wrap: Fourteen people were killed on Missouri roadways and waterways last Labor Day weekend.

That was in over 1,000 accidents.

The Missouri Water Patrol anticipates drinking and driving and brings out all its staff to avoid it.

Gerard Callahan is a spokesperson for the Missouri Water Patrol. He says a key to staying safe on the water this weekend is using good common sense and having a safe way home.

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Description: "Make sure you designate a sober skipper if you're going to have alcohol as part of your plan this weekend. Do that before you leave the dock so there's no question about it."

Callahan also says to make sure you are always wearing a life jacket if you're near the water.

Reporting from Jefferson City, I'm Matt Evans.