FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday, Aug. 29, 2012

CONTACT: Terry Woster, Public Information Officer, 605-773-3178

      North Dakota, South Dakota Troopers Plan I-29 Safety Operation

 ABERDEEN, S.D. – Highway Patrol troopers from North Dakota and South Dakota will be on Interstate 29 from the Iowa state line to the Canadian border on Friday, Aug. 30, in a high-visibility operation to stop criminal activity and reduce crashes, injuries and deaths.

South Dakota troopers have worked joint operations this year with Minnesota and Wyoming.

“We are excited to partner with North Dakota in an effort to make people more aware of safe driving practices,’’ said Col. Craig Price, superintendent of the South Dakota Highway Patrol. “It doesn’t always require an arrest. Often the presence of troopers reminds people of the need for safety.’’

Combining the resources of the two state’s troopers greatly increases the visibility and reach of the cross-border enforcement on I-29, said Maj. Michael Gerhart of the North Dakota Highway Patrol

“We can send a strong message that both states will not tolerate hazardous traffic violations and interstate criminal activity,’’ Gerhart said. “Our goal is to save lives and reduce injuries and criminal activity. That makes our roads safer for all who travel on them.’’

Law enforcement officers involved will enforce all traffic and highway laws with emphasis on seatbelt use, speeding and drinking and driving. In addition, K-9 units, or police service dogs, will be working the highway.

In South Dakota, the joint operation in the northeast region complements a statewide enforcement, awareness and education operation called Operation Safe. Operation Safe involves virtually all uniformed South Dakota Highway Patrol troopers and coincides with Friday’s beginning of the busy Labor Day travel weekend.

                          -30-