Highway Patrol stepping up enforcement on I-70, Highway 54

Fourth of July weekend is here and drivers will not only see more traffic as they head out of town, but also more law enforcement officers.

Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers will be stationed every 20 miles on I-70, Highway 54 and some secondary roads to watch for dangerous driving.

It’s part of Operation C.A.R.E, or Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort, a heightened traffic law enforcement program that will go on all weekend and into July Fourth.

In addition to Operation C.A.R.E, Troop F will participate in special enforcement during the peak travel times on Friday and Tuesday.

Troopers said Friday that while there will be zero tolerance for DWI and seat belt violations, they’re looking to catch any traffic violation that will put other drivers in danger.

“I don’t go after one certain violation,” said Trooper Shawn Brazas. “I try to have a broad spectrum because you never know when you’re going to find your next violation and where it’s going to be.”

Most holiday weekends feature increased trooper visibility through Operation C.A.R.E, and Highway Patrol said the visibility deters certain dangerous driving and helps keep deadly crashes at a minimum.

“I think it’s encouraging to other drivers who do obey the traffic laws that they see we’re out there,” Brazas said. “They see we’re ready to respond to anything we need to.”

There were fourteen fatal crashes over the fourth of July weekend in Missouri in 2015 and five in 2016.

Troopers will also be working extended shifts on the waterways within Troop F to maximize visibility and enforce boating laws.

They’ll also be focusing their efforts on arresting impaired boaters.