Story Published:
Jul 6, 2009 at 6:08 AM CST
Story Updated:
Jul 6, 2009 at 10:17 AM CST
Traffic deaths are down in Missouri this year compared to the first six months of last year but July through September are typically the worst months for deadly accidents. That's why the Missouri State Highway Patrol started its "Heat is On" campaign.
The initiative includes 70 days of what the patrol describes as high enforcement action teams. Besides speeding, it's also focused on drunken drivers and people not wearing their seatbelts.
Troopers say a lot of these bad driving behaviors happen in the congested tourist areas such as Lake of the Ozarks and Branson. They say summertime drivers in general have a different kind of attitude.
"They not only are distracted by the typical things we associate with problematic driving -- cell phones and GPS and DVD players -- but they're also distracted by the very excitement of being headed on vacation, being in a festive atmosphere and having all the kids in the vehicle," said MSHP Lt. Terry Moore.
Police say one of the biggest lifesavers continues to be the seatbelt. Missouri does not yet have a primary seatbelt law so officers can't pull you over for "only" not wearing a seatbelt. There has to be another violation as well.
