97 injury crashes reported statewide since start of holiday weekend

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Nearly 100 injury crashes have been reported statewide this holiday weekend.

As of Tuesday evening, the Missouri State Highway Patrol has reported 97 injury crashes statewide since the start of the weekend. Four of the crashes were fatal and 31 involved serious injuries.

The Independence Day weekend counting period began at 6 p.m. Friday and will continue through 11:59 p.m. Tuesday. The counting period is designed to help the patrol track how well the department keeps Missouri's roads safe.

The patrol has also reported 96 DWIs statewide as of Tuesday evening.

"Holiday counting periods are important. It allows us to get a snapshot of what is going on, in terms of the traffic on the roadways and the waterways. It also allows us to adapt our safety messages," said MSHP Cpl. Kyle Green.

AAA forecast record-breaking travel volumes for 2023's holiday weekend, estimating 50.7 million Americans would travel 50 or more miles for Independence Day.

"Lots of water. We're stopping often for our pup, obviously. And, to make sure that we're fueled up. Checking tires and everything, cause, when it gets hot, those tires are more likely to blow, but, just making sure everything is checked over," said Colby, a traveler passing through Columbia.

Check back for updates to this developing story.