State agencies urging Fourth of July safety

By Rusty Murry

Nevada Herald

The Fourth of July weekend is one of the busiest of the year on Missouri's highways, lakes and rivers, and just about every agency in the state, and some federal agencies, have released a set warnings or safety guidelines for holiday activities.

A press release from the Missouri Department of Public Safety said that the Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control, Division of Fire Safety, Highway Patrol and Water Patrol are all conducting operations to keep the weekend safe and enjoyable.

The Highway Patrol will have troopers out in force to try and reduce the number of accidents and fatalities seen during last year's holiday weekend. On Missourinet.com, Steve Walsh reports that last year there were 1,445 crashes resulting in 15 deaths and more than 600 injuries. Friday and Monday will be peak travel times and law enforcement officers across the state will be on the job to keep the roadways safe.

The Missouri State Water Patrol will have all uniformed officers on the water. Their news release states that last year there were 293 reported accidents in the state causing 126 injuries and 15 fatalities. State Water Patrol Public Information Director Ralph Bledsoe said, "alcohol was related to almost 50 percent of the accidents and operator error was second as a contributing factor." He also said that The Lake of the Ozarks was the most dangerous in the state.

And if you're going to Stockton Lake for the weekend, you may be relieved to know that Bledsoe said, "we don't have the problems on Stockton we do on other lakes." Last year there were only three accidents on the lake with one injury and one death. He also said that alcohol was only involved in one of the three. If you've been to Stockton for the holiday before, then you know there will be hundreds of boats on the lake, and the Water Patrol will be there to assist boaters, cite offenders and maintain a level of safety as all of those boats move around on the lake. The Water Patrol says make sure your boat is sea worthy, all of your lights work, you have the proper safety equipment and the operator of the vessel is not impaired by alcohol.

While you are on the waterways or public land in the state, the Missouri Department of Conservation wants to remind you that fireworks are not allowed on department areas. It is also important to know that it is a Class A misdemeanor to discharge fireworks from or at any watercraft. Their officers will also be out on the roads and water of the state.

And FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency released statistics showing the estimated number of fires and approximate amount of damage attributed to fireworks in 2002 was more than 23,000 fires caused about $35 million in damages.

There were also more than 9,000 injuries. FEMA cautions everyone "all fireworks users must follow local and state laws regarding purchase and lighting of fireworks."

Independence Day is a time to celebrate. It is a time to be with family and friends and enjoy the natural resources and beauty of our state and country. Unfortunately, it can be a dangerous time.

Remember to follow safety rules, obey the laws of the road and waterways, be considerate of others, exercise caution when using fireworks and use good old common sense, and the holiday will be safe and enjoyable for everyone, safety officials say.