Eight Traffic Fatalities Reported Over July Fourth Holiday

The Missouri State Highway Patrol has released its preliminary report detailing incidents and enforcement activity during the 2025 July Fourth holiday weekend. The counting period began at 6 pm, on Thursday, July 3, and concluded at 11:59 pm, on Sunday, July 6.

Missouri troopers responded to a total of 246 traffic crashes over the extended holiday weekend, resulting in 115 injuries and eight fatalities on the state's roads. The Patrol also arrested 114 individuals for driving while intoxicated (DWI) during this time frame.

For comparison, during the 2024 holiday counting period, Missouri experienced a higher toll: 14 people lost their lives and 560 were injured in 1,366 traffic crashes. Last year, 149 arrests were made for DWI during the same period.

In terms of waterway safety, troopers reported nine boating crashes statewide, leading to four injuries but no fatalities. Notably, there were also zero drownings documented during the holiday period. Troopers made 13 arrests for boating while intoxicated (BWI), slightly higher than the 12 BWI arrests recorded during the 2024 holiday weekend.

The 2024 July Fourth holiday period saw 10 boating crashes and seven injuries, with no fatalities or drownings reported.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol continues to emphasize the importance of safety on both roads and waterways, especially during busy holiday periods. While the number of traffic fatalities decreased compared to last year, troopers remain vigilant, urging all Missourians to celebrate responsibly and remain attentive behind the wheel and at the helm.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story

Travel Safely During July 4th Holiday Weekend

As Missourians prepare to celebrate Independence Day, the Missouri State Highway Patrol is urging residents and visitors to make safety a top priority—whether they're hitting the road, heading to the water, or hosting backyard gatherings.

Colonel Michael A. Turner, superintendent of the Patrol, is reminding everyone to plan responsibly and follow all traffic and boating laws during the upcoming holiday weekend.

“Whether you’re boating on one of Missouri’s lakes or enjoying a barbecue with friends and family, your smartest choice is to put safety first,” said Turner.

The 2025 July Fourth holiday counting period begins at 6 p.m. Thursday, July 3, and continues through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, July 6. During that time, all available troopers will be on patrol across Missouri’s highways and waterways to enforce the law and assist those in need.

Last year’s holiday was marred by tragedy, with 14 people killed and 560 injured in 1,366 traffic crashes across the state. Troopers also made 149 arrests for driving while intoxicated. On the water, there were 10 boating crashes, resulting in seven injuries but no fatalities or drownings. Twelve arrests were made for boating while intoxicated.

To help reduce these numbers, the Patrol will once again participate in Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness & Reduction Effort) and Operation Dry Water, the latter focusing specifically on stopping impaired vessel operators.

Boaters are reminded to stay alert, operate responsibly, and never drive a boat under the influence of alcohol. It is also illegal to set off fireworks from a boat—those should remain safely on shore. The Patrol stresses the importance of wearing life jackets and encourages everyone on the water to “Wear It!”

Motorists are also asked to buckle up, obey speed limits, and never drive distracted or impaired. Those needing help or who witness criminal activity while traveling can contact the Highway Patrol by calling 1-800-525-5555 or *55 from a cell phone.

Travelers can also get up-to-date road conditions by visiting the MoDOT Traveler Information Map, using the MoDOT app, or calling 1-888-275-6636.

“Independence Day should be a celebration,” said Turner. “Let’s make sure it’s a safe one for everyone.”

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Plan a Safe July Fourth Holiday

The Missouri State Highway Patrol encourages all Missourians to have a safe and happy holiday week. All available troopers will be patrolling Missouri roadways and waterways to enforce traffic and boating laws and offering assistance as needed.

The Highway Patrol will participate 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.

During the 2023 counting period, 15 people were killed and 646 injured in Missouri over the holiday in 1,505 traffic crashes. Last year during the counting period, troopers arrested 125 people for driving while intoxicated. In 2023, there were 11 boating crashes, which included two injuries and no fatalities. One person drowned during last year's July Fourth holiday. Troopers made 10 boating while intoxicated arrests over last year’s July Fourth holiday weekend.

The 2024 July Fourth holiday counting period will be from 6 p.m. Wednesday, July 3, 2024, through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, July 7, 2024.

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, watch your wake, 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.

Brian Watts contributed to this story.