Highway Patrol, local police urging Missourians to drive safely over the holidays

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The Missouri State Highway Patrol and local police departments including Jefferson City are reminding drivers to stay safe on the roads this holiday season.

MSHP's holiday counting period is set to begin on Friday and run through Monday, Dec. 27.

During last year's holiday counting period, the Highway Patrol responded to 175 crashes resulting in 55 injuries and five fatalities.

Additionally, the Highway Patrol reported 62 DWI's over the same time frame.

In a release, the MSHP said, "Too many people die in traffic crashes each year in Missouri. The choices you make when you’re behind the wheel matter. Make good choices, so you’ll never have to say, if I could just go back.”

At the same time, the Jefferson City Police Department has teamed up with other law enforcement agencies to participate in a DWI enforcement campaign, which started on Friday.

According to the department, additional officers will be on duty and working overtime with the assistance of grants awarded to the police department by the Missouri Department of Transportation.

Police Chief Roger Schroeder said, "It's never worth the risk to drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The only safe driver is one that is completely sober."

The department is also reminding drivers to buckle up this holiday season, saying it is the best defense against impaired drivers.