The Missouri Highway Patrol has released its results of recent targeted law enforcement efforts for Labor Day weekend.
According to the Highway Patrol, Troop F recorded 36 traffic crashes, zero fatalities, 15 injuries, 17 DWI arrests and 11 drug arrests. Troop F includes Audrain, Boone, Callaway, Camden, Cole, Cooper, Gasconade, Howard, Miller, Moniteau, Montgomery, Morgan, and Osage counties.
"Troopers were out in force over the Labor Day holiday. We think enforcement efforts, along with increased visibility, helped keep motorists safer while traveling through Mid-Missouri," Patrol Sgt. Scott White said.
According to the patrol, three injuries were reported in two accidents in Callaway County.
At approximately 2:25 p.m. Saturday, an accident occurred on westbound Route UU near County Road 101. According to the patrol crash report, the driver, Melissa Ross, 49, of Fulton, experienced an unknown medical issue that caused her to travel off of the road and strike a fence and a tree. Ross was transported to University Hospital with minor injuries by a personal vehicle.
At approximately 8:10 p.m. Sunday, an accident took place on westbound Route B, approximately 1 mile north of Route N. According to the crash report, the driver, Brenndan Riddles, 57, of Columbia, was traveling on his motorcycle with his passenger, Jamie Riddles, 31, of Columbia, when a deer entered the roadway. Brenndan Riddles attempted to slow down but impacted the deer. Both riders were ejected from the motorcycle. The Callaway EMS transported both involved in the crash. The operator sustained moderate injuries while the passenger's injuries were minor.
Patrol Troop F took part in Operation CARE, an acronym for crash awareness and reduction effort. This involved extra troopers patrolling to monitor speeding, distracted and drunk driving throughout the weekend.
In total, 309 crashes were reported across the state from 6 p.m. Friday evening to 11:59 p.m. Monday night. Four were fatal, and 107 total injuries were recorded. These numbers are lower compared to 2018 where out of the 257 crashes that were reported, 11 were fatal and 119 resulted in injuries.
Additionally, Troop F reported nine boating crashes (none fatal), one drowning, two boating injuries and seven boating-while-intoxicated arrests made.