Highway Patrol starts Christmas counting period this week

The Missouri State Highway Patrol will start its 2016 holiday counting period later this week.

The patrol’s Christmas counting period starts on Friday at 6 p.m. It will end Monday at 11:59 p.m.

Last year, there were 1,070 crashes during the Christmas counting period. Five people were killed in those crashes and another 363 others were hurt.

The Highway Patrol said one person was killed or injured about ever 13 minutes during the 2015 counting period.

Drivers who need emergency help can contact the patrol by dialing 800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellphone.

“As you make your way from one gathering to the next, please drive safely,” said Col. J. Bret Johnson, superintendent of the Missouri State Highway Patrol. “If you include alcohol in your celebrations, please don’t drive. A sober chauffeur or alternative transportation are always the best choices. Remember to buckle up and let’s all make safety an integral part of our holiday plans.”

The patrol issued several recommendations for people driving over the holiday counting period.

Make sure everyone is wearing a seat belt or child restraint. Check your vehicle before you travel for any possible issues. Get enough rest before driving, no matter how far you have to travel. Obey all traffic laws and drive sober.

Drivers can stay up to date with current road conditions by the Missouri Department of Transportation’s road conditions map by clicking this link.

You can also call the department for road conditions by dialing 888-275-6636.