Holiday Travel Accidents

***UPDATE SUNDAY 9:50 P.M.***As of Sunday night there had been more than 35 crashes, 13 people seriously hurt and two deaths since the holiday counting period started Friday night.Although the traffic was packed on Missouri roads over the weekend Highway Patrol Troopers are concerned for the days ahead.When ABC 17 News asked Tropper Matt Halford if he was worried about accidents during the holidays, he replied “yes, and with the weather there is in my understanding a chance of snow in the forecast.”With snow expected on Christmas night, officers are asking holiday travelers to follow some simple rules.”Follow the traffic laws and so forth, give yourself time and be patient, there’s a lot of people on the roadways and we will have an increase with the holidays. So, just give yourself an opportunity to get there safely,” said Halford.According to HIPO the most common and dangerous mistake travelers make is not buckling up when they drive. Last year during the holidays five people died in Missouri highway crashes. So far for the entire year in 2012, 800 people have been killed in accidents. “A lot of those were unrestrained drivers so again wear your seat belt and be careful,” said Halford.There will be extra patrols out on the highways for the next few days. Troopers said just having more of a presence on the roads deter people from breaking any laws, and keep accidents down.***ORIGINAL STORY***According to AAA, 93 million people will be traveling this holiday season. “Around 5.6 million will be flying, 3.3 million will be taking the train or bus, and the rest will be driving,” AAA Spokesman Mike Wright said.According to Wright, 84.4 million Americans will be on trips in excess of 50 miles from home this holiday season as well.Missouri State Highway Patrol Captain Tim Hull says with more drivers on the roads the risk of more accidents is inevitable.”Yesterday with the mix of winter weather and more drivers we responded to numerous accidents,” Hull said.Highway Patrol began the holiday accident counting period at 6p.m. on Friday and it will continue to midnight on Tuesday.”During last year’s counting period 5 people were killed, 317 were injured and 851 got into traffic crashes,” Hull said, “We hope those numbers are lower this year.”Hull warns drivers to continue to drive defensively.