Troopers stationed across highways and interstate over the Thanksgiving weekend

The Missouri State Highway Patrol has more troopers out this Thanksgiving holiday to keep the roads safe.

As the Thanksgiving celebrations are winding down many people have already gotten a head start on Black Friday shopping and local law enforcement officers will be out looking for drivers who are impaired and or exhibiting road rage.

Missouri State Highway Patrol told ABC 17 News it will have state troopers stationed every 20 miles on the interstate.

“With increased visibility we know people tend to drive better when they see a patrol car and we hope to limit the number of traffic violations which in turn will limit the amount of crashes we see,” Capt. John Hotz.

The Highway Patrol says Thanksgiving can be one of the busiest times of the year and unfortunately it’s also one of the deadliest.

“Last year we had 13 people killed and 627 people were injured just in the Thanksgiving holiday,” Hotz said.

The Highway Patrol also says with gas prices at a low, more people are on the roads and that patience is key.