Five Fatalities Reported During 2026 New Year Holiday

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Colonel Michael A. Turner, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, released preliminary statistics for the 2026 New Year’s holiday traffic period, revealing a sobering start to the year on Missouri roads. Between 6 p.m. on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, and 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, January 4, 2026, law enforcement responded to 187 traffic crashes statewide. These incidents resulted in 87 injuries and claimed five lives.

Highway Patrol troopers arrested 112 individuals for driving while intoxicated (DWI) during the same period. Notably, there were no boating crashes or drownings reported over the holiday, marking a safer outcome for Missouri’s waterways.

Comparing these figures to the previous New Year’s holiday period in 2024-2025, there was one fatality and 118 injuries in 264 reported traffic crashes. The reduction in total crashes and injuries this year comes with a concerning increase in fatalities.

The statistics provided are preliminary and may change if additional fatalities are reported or if other law enforcement agencies submit late information. Further details regarding specific crashes and arrests can be found on the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s official website.

It is important to note that the New Year’s holiday counting period varies each year, lasting between 1.25 and 4.25 days depending on which day of the week the holiday falls.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.

Bring in the New Year Safely

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The Missouri State Highway Patrol wishes everyone a happy and safe New Year. One way for it to be happy is for everyone to arrive at their 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.

During the 2023 - 2024 New Year’s period, nine people were killed and 293 injured in 821 traffic crashes in Missouri. The 2024 - 2025 New Year’s holiday counting period begins at 6 p.m. Tuesday, December 31, 2024, and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, January 1, 2025.

If your plans to welcome the new year include alcohol, please designate a sober driver or utilize a ride share service or taxi to ensure you arrive home safely. The roadway is no place for a driver under the influence of drugs or alcohol. If you kill or injure someone, you’ll pay the price for the rest of your life.

If you plan to travel this New Year’s, remember to buckle up and make sure all your passengers do the same. Remember: Missouri is now a hands-free state. Pay attention, obey all traffic laws, and when in doubt, yield the right-of-way.

Drivers can download the MoDOT Traveler Information app to your smart phone, and check road conditions before you travel. Missouri law states if you’re using your windshield wipers, your headlights must be turned on.

The public is encouraged to call the Patrol's Emergency Assistance Number (800) 525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone if they witness criminal activity or experience an emergency. These emergency numbers are operational for both highway and water emergencies.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this story.