Troopers advise safe, sober driving during New Year’s celebrations

The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s New Year’s counting period started 6 p.m. Friday.

During the counting period, troopers record how many traffic crashes they respond to, as well as how many drivers they arrest for getting behind the wheel intoxicated.

During the 2018 New Year’s holiday counting period last year statewide, troopers responded to 845 crashes. Those crashes resulted in nine deaths and 291 people injured.

Ultimately, a person was killed or injured every 15.6 minutes during that time frame.

Troopers ask that if celebration plans include alcohol, have a designated driver who won’t drink.

People should also have a backup to the designated driver, just in case that person decides to drink.

This year’s New Year’s counting period ends at 11:59 p.m. Tuesday.