Missouri State Highway Patrol begins 2023 Labor day weekend count with tips to stay safe
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
Labor Day weekend is underway and the Missouri State Highway Patrol is keeping an eye out for crashes reported statewide during its holiday counting period.
The counting period began Friday at 6 pm and will continue until 11:59PM Monday, September 4th.
As of Monday morning there were 18 reported crashes in Missouri with two fatalities and eight people sustaining serious injuries since counting began. No boating or drowning incidents have been reported yet.
A news release from the Highway patrol emphasizes safety for this weekend. Troopers say to never drink and operate heavy machinery, such as boats and cars. They also say to check all your equipment and have everything you need before heading out to enjoy the weekend.
Missouri State Highway Patrol also said in the release that they will be involved with operation CARE (Crash Awareness & Reduction Effort) throughout the weekend. They will be monitoring speed, attention, impaired driving, seatbelt checks and assisting those who need help.
They will also be out monitoring waterways to ensure boating safety. The release asks boaters to be on alert for swimmers and other boats, avoid overloading boats with items and people and always have lifejackets on board for everyone.
They are also encouraging citizens to help keep travel safe during Labor Day weekend. If you witness any criminal activity or experience an emergency on land or water, Highway Patrol asks that you call the Emergency Report Line at (800) 525-5555 or *55 on a cell phone.
During last year's count, Highway Patrol responded to eight boating crashes, including one fatality and five injuries. One person also drowned and troopers arrested five people for boating while intoxicated.
As for traffic crashes for the 2022 counting period, there were 1,041 crashes over the holiday weekend leaving seven people dead and 398 injured. Troopers arrested 121 individuals for driving while intoxicated.
Check back throughout the day for updated crash numbers.
