Travel Safely This Christmas Season

The Missouri State Highway Patrol wishes everyone a merry and safe Christmas. One way for it to be merry is for everyone to arrive at their holiday celebrations safely. Wear your seat belt, obey all traffic laws, pay attention, and please, don’t drive impaired. Remember: Missouri is now a hands-free state.

Over the 2023 Christmas holiday, there were 1,034 traffic crashes statewide. In those crashes, three people were killed and another 346 were injured. Last year, the 78-hour counting period began at 6 p.m. Friday, December 22, 2023, and ended at 11:59 p.m. Monday, December 25, 2023. The 2024 counting period begins at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, December 24, and ends at 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, December 25, 2024.

Travelers are reminded that holiday drivers will affect traffic patterns. If you’re planning a trip during the holiday, please keep this in mind. Drivers are encouraged to make sure they are well rested, no matter how short their driving distance. Check the weather forecast and plan accordingly.

Downloading the MoDOT Traveler Information app to your smart phone allows you to check road conditions before you travel. Be proactive: Make sure your vehicle is in good condition and allow enough time to reach your destination safely. Winterize your vehicle before bad weather arrives, but realize that sometimes, it’s safest to stay home.

If faced with a traffic emergency, motorists can contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol at 1-800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone. This emergency number will ring into the nearest Highway Patrol headquarters. Motorists should use this number if they are in a traffic crash, witness a crash or crime, or pass a stranded motorist in need of assistance, etc.

Troopers encourage motorists to protect themselves from all types of hazardous drivers by making sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint. Please obey all traffic laws, and if alcohol is part of your holiday, designate a sober driver. Every driver can help make our roadways safer this holiday season.

KPGZ News –Missouri State Highway Patrol Release

Traffic Crashes Decreased This Thanksgiving Holiday

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports four people died in traffic crashes during this year’s Thanksgiving holiday counting period. There were no boating crashes or drownings.

During the Thanksgiving holiday counting period, the Highway Patrol responded to 362 crashes that included 120 injuries and four fatalities. Troopers also made 106 driving while intoxicated arrests.

The counting period started at 6 pm, Wednesday, November 27, and ended at 11:59 pm, Sunday, December 1.

Over the 2023 Thanksgiving holiday counting period, troopers investigated 431 traffic crashes, which included four fatalities and 138 injuries. Statewide, nine people died and 483 people were injured in 1,342 traffic crashes over last year’s Thanksgiving holiday. Troopers arrested 103 people for driving while intoxicated during the 2023 Thanksgiving holiday counting period.

There were zero boating crashes, zero boating fatalities, zero drownings, and zero boating while intoxicated arrests reported during the 2024 Thanksgiving holiday counting period.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

MSHP Releases Labor Day Holiday Statistics

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports that seven people died in traffic crashes, two people died in a boating crash, and one person drowned during the 2024 Labor Day holiday weekend.

The Highway Patrol also reports there were 233 traffic crashes with 115 injuries over the holiday weekend. Troopers also made 108 DWI arrests and five drug arrests.

On Missouri waterways troopers also worked three boating crashes with eight injuries and two fatalities. Troopers also worked eight BWI arrests and one drowning.

The 2024 counting period for the Labor Day holiday was from 6 p.m., Friday, August 30, through 11:59 p.m., Monday, September 2.

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.