Missouri Highway Patrol starts holiday traffic crash counting period

The Missouri Highway Patrol is stepping up enforcement. Authorities are preparing for a busy weekend with more drivers on the road for the holiday.

“We have a few more officers out and about patrolling, able to help people that are in need, but also looking for impaired drivers, poor drivers,” said Sgt. Michael Halford.

The highway patrol has begun counting the number of traffic crashes for its holiday counting period, which ends at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday.

Troopers are patrolling Interstate 70 through Columbia, Highway 63 and many other routes around mid-Missouri.

Authorities said many residents from smaller towns head to Columbia and Jefferson City for New Year’s parties, and said, most do it responsibly.

“In my experience, New Year’s Eve with the parties, the celebrations going on, people have made good choices. They’ve planned ahead and have sober drivers to take them home,” said Halford.

Last year, during the patrol’s counting period there were 78 traffic crashes, 31 people were hurt and two people died.

“Make sure people are safe. They have a good time, but they’re responsible in doing it,” said Halford.