Missouri Highway Patrol Urges Safety this Memorial Day Weekend

As Memorial Day weekend approaches, the Missouri State Highway Patrol is encouraging residents and visitors to plan ahead and stay safe while enjoying travel and outdoor activities across the state.

With pleasant weather expected to draw more people onto Missouri’s roads and waterways, officials say preparation can help make holiday weekend plans more successful. Because of ongoing road construction statewide, the Patrol recommends travelers use the Missouri Department of Transportation’s Traveler Information Map before leaving home. The map offers up-to-date details on road closures, traffic delays, construction zones, and alternate routes, and is available both online and as a free mobile app.

The 2026 Memorial Day holiday counting period begins at 6 p.m. Friday, May 22, and continues through 11:59 p.m. Monday, May 25. During that time, every available trooper will be assigned to patrol Missouri’s highways and waterways, enforcing state laws and assisting motorists and boaters in need.

Troopers patrolling Missouri roadways will focus on hazardous moving violations, speeding, and impaired driving. The Patrol will also take part in Operation C.A.R.E., or Crash Awareness Reduction Effort, during the holiday weekend.

Last year’s Memorial Day weekend saw 868 vehicle crashes across Missouri, leaving 356 people injured and four dead. On the water, there were three boating crashes reported statewide, though none resulted in injuries or fatalities. Troopers also made 81 driving while intoxicated arrests and no boating while intoxicated arrests during the 2025 holiday period.

Memorial Day weekend is widely considered the unofficial start of boating season, and officials are reminding the public to wear seat belts in vehicles and life jackets near, on, or in the water. The Patrol also urges anyone planning to consume intoxicating substances to designate a sober driver, whether traveling by car or boat.

Anyone who witnesses criminal activity or experiences an emergency is encouraged to call the Patrol’s Emergency Report Line at (800) 525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone. Those emergency numbers are available for both highway and water emergencies.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.