Troopers with the Missouri State Highway Patrol are taking part in a statewide operation Monday for peek Memorial Day travel.

Capt. James McDonald commanding officer Troop H, St. Joseph, said Troop H is once again participating in the Memorial Day weekend enforcement operations. He said the operations’ objective is to reduce the number and severity of traffic crashes. Throughout the holiday weekend, troopers within Troop H and throughout the state have been participating in Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness & Reduction Effort). This means every available officer will be on the road enforcing traffic laws and assisting motorists.

In addition to Operation C.A.R.E., Troop H is also be participating in the statewide peak travel crash reduction enforcement programs during the peak travel periods on Friday, May 26, and Monday, May 29. During this operation, troopers will be assigned to 20-mile stretches of Interstate 35. Enforcement efforts on secondary roads will be conducted during the same timeframe within Troop H.

“Memorial Day is the first major travel holiday of the year and the Missouri State Highway Patrol urges motorists to wear their seat belts and never drink and drive,” Captain McDonald said. “The Highway Patrol wants everyone to have a safe Memorial Day weekend.”