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.

Remember Safety this Thanksgiving Holiday

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says there will be an increase in traffic over the Thanksgiving holiday. Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel periods of the year, with Wednesday and Sunday afternoon/evenings being the most heavily traveled times.

The counting period for the 2024 Thanksgiving holiday weekend is from 6 p.m. Wednesday, November 27, 2024, to 11:59 p.m. Sunday, December 1, 2024. Troopers will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E., enforcing all traffic laws, and available to assist the public.

Over the 2023 Thanksgiving holiday counting period, nine people were killed and 483 injured in 1,342 traffic crashes.

Drivers should be sure their vehicle is in good condition, obey all traffic laws, and be sure everyone in the vehicle is wearing a seat belt or secured in the appropriate child safety seat for their size and age. The Highway Patrol also reminds drivers that Missouri is now a hands-free state and there is never a reason to speed, drive aggressively, or drive impaired.

The MoDOT Traveler Information Map can be a helpful tool while people are traveling. The map provides up-to-date information such as road closures, delays, construction zones, and alternative routes. Travelers can download the app for free to their smart device or access it by using this link: traveler.modot.org/map/index.html.

The public is encouraged to call the Patrol's Emergency Report Line (800) 525-5555 or *55 on their cell phone if they witness criminal activity, observe driving behavior that could cause a crash, or experience an emergency. These phone numbers are operational for both highway and water emergencies.

KPGZ News – Brian Watts contributed to this report.