Department of Public Safety
Provides Summer Safety Tips
JEFFERSON CITY, July 9, 2007-The Missouri Department of Public
Safety encourages summer travelers to be safe and provides tips to
follow during this season's outings.
"Our department is comprised of many public safety
divisions who work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of
Missourians and those visiting our state," said Mark James, Director
of Missouri Department of Public Safety. "Protecting families
during summer travel means individual responsibility and cooperation
with law enforcement officials."
The Missouri State Highway Patrol, which protects travelers
on the 122,000 miles of public roadways, encourages drivers to prepare
for long distance travel by securing luggage, knowing the route and
taking frequent breaks. Roads may be slippery during rain and headlights
are required by law to go on with windshield wipers. Missouri builds
and repairs its roads in the summertime, so drivers are encouraged
to pay close attention to construction signs and workmen and to slow
down and move over when an emergency vehicle is on the side of the
road.
If boating on the more than 275,000 acres of water,
the Missouri State Water Patrol and Missouri's Division of Alcohol
and Tobacco Control jointly request that travelers do not consume
alcohol while operating a vessel or swimming. Life jackets should
always be worn while on Missouri waters. Too many achohol-related
deaths have occurred already this summer on our waterways.
Travel destinations often involve ballparks, amusement
parks and other public visitor areas. When visiting an amusement park,
the State Fire Marshal reminds families to always observe and follow
posted rules, verbal instructions of ride operators and rider restrictions.
Regardless of your destination, the Missouri Office
of Homeland Security asks that individuals prepare for all emergency
situations. This includes packing adequate amounts of water, a battery
powered radio, a flashlight, prescription medications and a first-aid
kit.
For more information regarding summer safety and other
tips, please visit the Missouri Department of Public Safety homepage
at http://www.dps.mo.gov.