Troopers Prepare for Fourth of July

SOUTH CHARLESTON - Troopers are gearing up for the Fourth of July holiday by preparing to increase patrols on the State’s highways in an effort to help keep holiday travelers safe. The summer season brings with it an increase in the volume of traffic and construction projects.

The West Virginia State Police will be affiliated with two national campaigns in an effort to ensure the safety of the motoring public during the Fourth of July holiday: Operation C.A.R.E. (Combined Accident Reduction Effort) and The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s (NHTSA) “Over the Limit, Under Arrest”. Tuesday, July 3rd through Sunday, July 8th mark the targeted period of the national campaign. As part of these campaigns, the State Police will be focusing on strict enforcement in areas such as DUI, reckless driving, speeding, failure to buckle up and child restraint violations.

State highway safety organizations such as the Governor’s Highway Safety Program and the Commission on Drunk Driving Prevention have generously provided funding for law enforcement officers around the State to increase patrols and participate in sustained efforts to curb DUI related crashes and offenses.

Motorists are reminded that they, too, can help law enforcement by reporting reckless drivers and stranded motorists. It is as simple as dialing *SP (*77) on any cellular phone in West Virginia. The call will be routed to the nearest State Police Detachment where an available Trooper can respond to the situation.

Last year during the Fourth of July holiday, four people were killed in traffic crashes, down from six in 2005. BACK