Cape Girardeau Police encourage safe driving habits ahead of Easter weekend travel

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. (KBSI) – First responders in Cape Girardeau are encouraging drivers to take extra precautions this Easter weekend as families, friends and loved ones travel to celebrate the holiday.

Officer Bobby Newton with the Cape Girardeau Police Department said drivers can expect increased traffic on local roadways due to Easter gatherings on Sunday.

“We’ve got the Easter holiday coming up, so a lot more traffic is going to be on the road,” Newton said. “Several people are going to be out visiting their family members, traveling from point A to point B. Our main priority is making sure they get there safely.”

Newton asks motorists to plan ahead, stay patient, and be courteous to other drivers.

“We always encourage people to take extra time, realize that there are other motorists on the roadway,” he said. “So be courteous, let people through, and just take your time getting where you’re going.”

Residents like Lindsay Koelmel, a citizen journalist on the NOW local news app, shares her family’s plans.

“For Easter, we are traveling to see my husband’s family in Centralia, Illinois. It’s about an hour and a half drive,” Koelmel said. “Other than that, we’ll be staying home and hunting Easter eggs here.”

Newton offered advice for drivers in the event they are pulled over by law enforcement.

“If you are pulled over during the holiday, just make sure to listen to the officer’s instructions,” he said. “Keep your hands visible as officers approach. If it’s dark, turn on your interior lights so we can see inside the vehicle. Just be courteous and we’ll get you on your way as quickly as possible.”

With potential inclement weather forecasted for the weekend, Newton reminds drivers to drive according to the conditions.

“Make sure your windshield wipers are in good working order,” he said. “And remember any time your wipers are on, your headlights should be on as well so other motorists can see you.”

Cape Girardeau police and other first responders are asking everyone to drive safely and ensure that the holiday is both enjoyable and safe.