Local highway safety heroes honored at annual conference

COLUMBIA, Mo. -Twelveindividuals and organizationswere recognized at this year's Highway Safety and Traffic Conference for their efforts inmoving Missouri towards zero roadway fatalities. Every other year, theseawards are presentedto four statewide individuals or businesses and one winner from each of seven regions of the Missouri Coalition for Roadway Safety.

The Central Region recognizedKyle Petty for his leadership and work to improve highway safety.When he was the Traffic Safety Coordinator for the Cole County Sheriff's Office(he is now with the Department of Corrections), traffic safety was very importantto him. He organized traffic safety details throughout the year. He also recently went through DRE school and is now a certified DRE (Drug Recognition Expert). Pettyled by example as he arrested 19 individuals for DWI-related offenses in 2023. His squadof 4-5 deputies accounted for another 18 DWI-related offenses.

In addition to the regionalawards, four statewide individuals or businesseswere recognized for theirleadership and work to improve highway safety.

Nicole Hoodwas recognized as the Buckle Up Phone Down Champion for the instrumental role sheplayed in expanding the Buckle Up Phone Down initiative not only statewide,but also nationally.

The Highway Opportunities through Professional Engineering (HOPE) Award was presented toMoDOT's St. LouisCounty Safety Improvements Project for innovative infrastructure upgrades and community partnerships, that will ultimately savelives.

The Lay Down the Law Award recognizes law enforcement officers or groups advancing highway safety through innovative traffic safety efforts. This year, the award was presented toLt. Scott Schnurbuschwith the Hazelwood Police Department for his dedication to traffic safety, the St. Louis Coalition for Roadway Safety,and the citizens of Hazelwood. A second award was also presented to the Springfield Police Department for their commitment to the SGF Yields pedestrian safety program.

The Tempe Humphrey Award, which recognizes an individual or group with focused efforts on younger drivers, was presented toTyler Luckenhoff. Luckenhoffhas been involved in the TRACTION (Teens Taking Action to Prevent Traffic Crashes) youth program for the last 20 years and is a true leader and role modelinside and outside of TRACTION.

To view thefull list of award recipientsand nominations, visit: 2024 Highway Safety and Traffic Awards.

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