Missouri Highway Patrol Urges Safety for Labor Day Weekend

The Missouri State Highway Patrol is urging residents and visitors to prioritize safety as they celebrate the upcoming Labor Day weekend. With increased travel expected both on the state’s roads and waterways, Turner emphasizes the importance of planning ahead and observing all Missouri laws to help prevent accidents and injuries.

This year’s Labor Day counting period extends from 6 p.m. Friday, August 29, through 11:59 p.m. Monday, September 1, 2025. The holiday is traditionally one of the busiest for boating in Missouri. Before heading out on the water, boaters are reminded to inspect fuel lines and battery charge, and to exercise caution while refueling. Turning off electrical devices, inspecting for leaks, and using a blower system prior to restarting are recommended steps to avoid hazards.

Statistics from last year’s holiday underscore the need for vigilance: four boating crashes resulted in two fatalities and eight injuries, along with one drowning. Troopers made six arrests for boating while intoxicated during the 2024 holiday period. Marine enforcement officers will be patrolling Missouri’s waterways to promote safety, but boaters are asked to remain alert for other vessels and swimmers, avoid overloading boats, and respect right-of-way rules. Excessive wakes that cause harm may result in enforcement action or civil liability. Wearing life jackets remains a key safety recommendation.

On the roads, safety is equally critical. Motorists should inspect their vehicles before travel, drive courteously, obey traffic laws, and always wear seat belts. The dangers of impaired and distracted driving are highlighted by last year’s statistics: 17 people died and 498 were injured in 1,047 traffic crashes over the 2024 Labor Day holiday—an average of one casualty every 9.1 minutes. Troopers arrested 110 people for driving while intoxicated during the same period.

The Highway Patrol will participate in Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness & Reduction Effort), deploying all available troopers to enforce speed limits, seat belt usage, and impaired driving laws. The public is encouraged to report emergencies or criminal activity by calling (800) 525-5555 or *55 from a cell phone, whether on highways or waterways.

For those celebrating with alcohol, the Patrol’s message is clear: designate a sober driver for both vehicles and vessels to ensure a safe and enjoyable holiday. Safety remains everyone’s responsibility.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.