The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports that preliminary statistics related to Christmas holiday traffic incidences decreased this year.

The Highway Patrol reports that three people died in traffic crashes during the 30-hour counting period, which began at 6 pm, Tuesday, December 24, and ended at 11:59 pm, Wednesday, December 25. Troopers investigated 65 traffic crashes with 38 injuries this year. They also arrested 17 people for DWI.

During the 2023 Christmas holiday, troopers investigated 124 traffic crashes which included 2 fatalities and 71 injuries. Troopers arrested 81 people for driving while impaired during the 2023 counting period.

Statewide, there were 1,034 traffic crashes last year. In those crashes, three people were killed and another 346 were injured.

There were no boating crashes or drownings over the 2024 Christmas holiday counting period.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.