Use Safe Travel, Boating During Fourth of July Holiday

As Missourians prepare to celebrate Independence Day, the Missouri State Highway Patrol is urging travelers and boaters to make safety a priority throughout the holiday weekend.

Motorists are encouraged to be courteous, buckle up, obey traffic laws, and never drive impaired. Boaters are reminded to wear life jackets when near, on, or in the water, remain alert for other boats and swimmers, and use good judgment while sharing Missouri’s lakes and rivers.

During the 2025 Fourth of July counting period, 13 people were killed and 415 were injured in 993 traffic crashes across Missouri. Troopers also arrested 118 people for driving while intoxicated.

On the water during that same period, the Patrol reported 11 boating crashes, resulting in four injuries and no fatalities. Troopers made 13 arrests for boating while intoxicated, and no drownings were reported during the holiday weekend.

The 2026 Fourth of July holiday counting period begins at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 2, and continues through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, July 5.

All available troopers will patrol Missouri roadways and waterways to enforce traffic and boating laws and to provide assistance as needed. The Patrol will participate in Operation C.A.R.E., or Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort, and Operation Dry Water, a national campaign targeting impaired vessel operators.

The Patrol also reminds boaters that Missouri law prohibits discharging fireworks from a vessel. Fireworks should be left in a safe place on shore. Boaters are encouraged to watch their wake, operate responsibly, and help keep waterways safe for everyone enjoying the holiday.

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

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.