Local Woman Killed over Labor Day Holiday

The Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) has released preliminary statistics for the 2025 Labor Day holiday weekend, revealing that five people lost their lives in traffic crashes and one person drowned during the holiday period. The counting period for the Labor Day holiday began at 6 p.m. on Friday, August 29, and ended at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, September 1.

During this time, MSHP troopers responded to 222 traffic crashes across the state, resulting in 104 injuries and five fatalities. Additionally, troopers made 100 arrests for driving while intoxicated (DWI) and 14 for drug-related offenses.

On Missouri’s waterways, troopers investigated three boating crashes, which resulted in four injuries and no fatalities. Nine individuals were arrested for boating while intoxicated (BWI). However, one drowning was recorded during the holiday. The drowning incident occurred on Saturday, August 30, at Lake of the Ozarks.

Among the fatal incidents was the death of a 48-year-old female pedestrian from Excelsior Springs, Missouri. She was struck while walking on southbound Missouri 291, north of Middlebrook Drive in Clay County. The driver, a 22-year-old who was wearing a seat belt and was not injured, was unable to avoid the collision. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene by Paramedic Cameron Conrad. The Liberty Police Department assisted MSHP at the scene.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

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.

Missouri State Highway Patrol Urges Back-to-School Safety

As the 2025-2026 school year begins, the Missouri State Highway Patrol is reminding parents, students, and motorists to make safety a top priority. Increased traffic, school buses on the roads, and students walking or biking to school mean drivers should be extra cautious.

In 2024, Missouri saw 843 traffic crashes involving school buses, resulting in seven fatalities and 345 injuries. Troopers hope to prevent future tragedies by encouraging safe habits for everyone on the road.

Safety Tips for Students

• Walking: Use sidewalks when available, cross at marked intersections, and make eye contact with drivers before stepping into the street. Avoid distractions like phones or music.

• Biking: Always wear a helmet, ride on the right side, follow traffic signals, and keep both hands on the handlebars.

• School Buses: Wait on the shoulder or sidewalk, use handrails, never retrieve dropped items from under the bus, and cross at least 10 feet in front of it.

For Young Drivers
Most crashes involving drivers under 21 happen between 3 and 4 p.m., when school lets out. Parents should remind teens that driving requires full attention—no texting, phone use, or other distractions. Missouri is a hands-free state, so buckle up and put the phone away.

Parents’ Role
Parents are encouraged to discuss safe travel—whether walking, biking, or driving—with their children. They should also introduce the Courage2ReportMO program, which allows students to anonymously report safety concerns, including bullying, threats, weapons, and mental health crises. Reports can be made via the mobile app, website, phone (866-748-7047), or by texting “C2R” to 738477. The program operates 24/7 with trained professionals.

Tips for Motorists
Drivers should be especially alert near school zones, playgrounds, and crosswalks, and anticipate heavier traffic during morning and afternoon commutes. Missouri law requires vehicles on two-lane roads to stop in both directions when a school bus is loading or unloading children with warning signals activated. On four-lane roads, drivers must stop only when following the bus.

Troopers stress that children can be unpredictable near traffic. Patience, attentiveness, and extra travel time can help ensure a safe start to the school year for everyone.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story

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

Zero Traffic Deaths Reported this New Years Holiday

Missouri State Highway Patrol troopers investigated fewer traffic incidents this New Year’s Holiday than they did last year. Traffic-related deaths were also down this year.

Last year, troopers investigated 115 traffic crashes and 59 crash injuries. They worked three crash fatalities and arrested 139 people for DWI.

This year the Highway Patrol reported there were 44 traffic crashes and 21 people were injured during New Year’s holiday counting period, which began at 6 pm Tuesday, December 31, 2024, and ended at 11:59 pm Wednesday, January 1, 2025.

The Highway Patrol also reported that there were no traffic-related deaths over the holiday counting period. There were 0 boating crashes and 0 drownings over the 2025 New Year’s holiday counting period.

Driving while intoxicated arrests were also down this New Year's holiday. Troopers arrested 55 drivers for DWI this year.

The fatality statistics in this news release could change if late deaths occur, or if other departments report fatal traffic crashes.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.