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.

Think Safety This Memorial Day Weekend

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reminds everyone to include safety when they plan their holiday weekend. Everyone should expect more travelers on Missouri’s roadways and an increase in boating traffic on the state’s lakes and rivers. Drivers and boat operators are reminded to follow all of Missouri’s laws and be courteous. Always wear a seat belt when traveling in a vehicle, and wear a life jacket when near, on, or in the water.

This year's Memorial Day holiday counting period begins at 6 p.m., Friday, May 23, and ends at 11:59 p.m., Monday, May 26, 2025. Every available trooper will be on the road or on the water, enforcing Missouri laws and assisting people. Troopers on our roadways will focus their attention on hazardous moving violations, speed violations, and impaired drivers. The Patrol will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness Reduction Effort) during Memorial Day weekend.

Over the 2024 Memorial Day holiday weekend, there were 1046 vehicle crashes statewide which injured 486 people and killed 10 (Troopers worked 275 traffic crashes involving seven fatalities and 161 injuries). The Memorial Day weekend is also an unofficial start to the boating season. During the 2024 Memorial Day weekend, there were seven boating crashes which included no fatalities and seven injuries. No one drowned over last year’s Memorial Day weekend. Last year, troopers made 128 driving while intoxicated and six boating while intoxicated arrests.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reminds drivers to always be courteous and pay attention whether you're operating a vehicle or a vessel and choose to be a sober driver on land and on the water. A safe, fun weekend is the result of planning and making good decisions.

Motorists or boaters in need of assistance or who want to report a crime should use the Highway Patrol's Emergency Assistance number 1-800-525-5555 (or *55 on a cellular phone). For road condition reports, travelers can visit the MoDOT website to view their traveler map, download the MoDOT app, or call 1-888-275-6636.

Motorists are encouraged to do their part to make Missouri’s roadways safer. Speed, inattention, and impaired driving are leading causes of traffic crashes. Please obey all traffic laws and make sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint.

When you’re on the water, please be courteous to others enjoying Missouri’s lakes and rivers, wear a life jacket, and obey the law regarding the safe operation of a vessel. Always observe no wake zones.

Always treat other boaters and property owners as you want to be treated. Never operate a boat while you are impaired; never ride with an impaired operator. Remember: Life jackets save lives. Wear It!!

KPGZ News – Missouri Highway Patrol contributed to this story.