By WHITNEE ICE
St. Joseph Post
The 4th of July weekend is here and the Missouri State Highway Patrol is gearing up for a few busy days.
Patrol Troop H Spokesperson Jake Angle says the 4th of July is one of the major travel holidays.
“It going to be obviously an increased presence out on the roadway for motorists. There’s going to be people traveling, going to see family, going to gatherings, stuff like that,” Angle tells St. Joseph Post. “Mainly what we want to stress to people are the importance of every time they get in the car, putting on their seat belt obviously, obeying all traffic laws and giving 100% of their attention to the job of driving.”
Angle encourages motorists to check MoDOT for road closures before traveling and to prepare for travel accordingly.
“Kick the tires, check the belts, make sure everything is good on the car, have that cell phone charger in the vehicle,” says Angle. “We don’t want you on the phone, but if you break down or something we want you to be able to call for help or report problems that you may encounter or see out on the roadway while you’re traveling.”
Angle says to have a plan in place if your plans include alcohol.
“That sober designated driver, or place to stay, or whatever the case may be,” says Angle. “What we don’t want is people to get behind the wheel impaired, you know it puts them at risk, the people in their car at risk, other motorists at risk, and it’s just a bad plan.”
Angle says to plan extra time for your travels this weekend to avoid getting in a hurry or feeling rushed for time.