The Missouri State Highway Patrol issued numerous summonses and made several arrests in Jefferson County during a recent enforcement detail called Operation ARREST (Alcohol Related Response Enforcement Strike Team).
The operation was held from 7 p.m. June 26 to 3 a.m. June 27 and was designed to increase awareness about the hazards of driving in an impaired condition, the patrol reported.
Six officers patrolled Jefferson County during the operation and issued 13 summonses for hazardous moving violations, 12 for speeding, five for seat belt violations, four for non-moving violations, two for failure to yield, two for driving with no insurance, and one for driving with a suspended or revoked licenses. In addition, three arrests were made for misdemeanor driving while intoxicated and two for misdemeanor drug offenses, and 49 warnings were issued, according to the patrol.
“The Missouri State Highway Patrol is very serious about removing impaired drivers from our roadways,” the agency reported in a written statement. “If drinking alcohol is a part of your plans, please choose a sober designated driver.”
About 63 percent of people killed in crashes in Missouri are not wearing seat belts, the patrol reported.
“The patrol urges motorists to protect themselves and their passengers by making sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint,” the patrol said.
It also urges people driving boats or other watercraft to make sure everyone is wearing a life jacket.