Plan A Safe July Fourth Holiday

The July Fourth holiday weekend is a great opportunity to enjoy one of Missouri’s recreational opportunities or a backyard barbecue. Colonel Eric T. Olson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, reminds Missouri’s travelers to make smart choices for a safe July Fourth holiday. Everyone should place safety at the top of their list when planning how to celebrate our nation’s freedoms. No matter how you decide to celebrate, your smartest choice is to follow all Missouri traffic and boating laws.

During the 2022 counting period, 11 people were killed and 449 injured in Missouri over the holiday in 1,069 traffic crashes. Over the 2022 July Fourth holiday, troopers arrested 146 people for driving while intoxicated. In 2022, there were nine boating crashes, which included five injuries and no fatalities. One person drowned during last year's July Fourth holiday. Troopers made 13 boating while intoxicated arrests over last year’s July Fourth holiday weekend.

The 2023 counting period for the July Fourth holiday will be from 6 p.m., Friday, June 30, to 11:59 p.m., Tuesday, July 4, 2022.

The Highway Patrol will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness & Reduction Effort) and Operation Dry Water over the July Fourth holiday. Operation Dry Water specifically targets impaired vessel operators. All available troopers will be patrolling Missouri roadways and waterways to enforce traffic and boating laws, and offering assistance as needed.

Missouri’s boaters are asked to do their part by remaining alert for other boats and swimmers, and being courteous on the water. Never operate a vessel if you’ve consumed alcohol. Boaters need to be aware that it is illegal to discharge fireworks from a vessel. Leave all fireworks in a safe place on shore. Remember to share the waterway and use common sense, good judgment, and courtesy to ensure the safety of all. Life jackets save lives. Wear It!!

Anyone needing assistance or who witnesses criminal activity while traveling on Missouri’s roadways or waterways can contact the nearest Highway Patrol troop headquarters by calling the Patrol Emergency Report Line at 1-800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone. Motorists may call 1-888-275-6636 to check for road construction along their travel route.

KPGZ News - Brian Watts contributed to this story