10 deaths reported on Missouri roads over Christmas holiday weekend

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Ten people died in traffic crashes on Missouri roads over the Christmas holiday counting period, the Missouri State Highway Patrol announced in a Monday press release.

The release says the “counting period” lasted from 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 24-11:59 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 28.

There were 94 injuries reported in 258 crashes and 93 people arrested for driving while intoxicated, the release says. All of those numbers are up from last year, where four people died and 44 people were injured in 81 crashes and 18 people were arrested for DWI, the release says.

MSHP made a note that the Christmas counting period varies each year, depending on which day of the week the holiday falls. Since the holiday fell on a Thursday, the counting period lasted 4.25 days this year, compared to last year when it fell on a Wednesday and lasted 1.25 days.

There were no drownings, boating crashes or arrests for boating while intoxicated this year, the release says.