Police step up patrols ahead of holiday weekend

The Missouri State Highway Patrol will be out in full force this weekend as they step up enforcement in anticipation for increased traffic.

Last Labor Day weekend, 8 people were killed in traffic accidents across the state. Many more were injured, a reason why you must drive safely.

According to MSHP, there were 967 crashes statewide, and 404 people were injured in those.

Troopers said from Friday night until Monday night, they’ll be out looking for those not wearing their seat belts, speeding, driving erratically, or those under the influence.

Sergeant Paul Reinsch said, “It’s always a big weekend especially because it’s the last major weekend of summer and that means everyone’s going to be going out trying to get in that last one last fun weekend and unfortunately with that comes trouble. People don’t get plenty of rest and they drink and drive and things of that nature, so that’s what we’re asking people to watch out for.”