Missouri Highway Patrol to begin New Year’s counting period Friday
COLUMBIA, Mo.
Missouri State Highway Patrol and other law enforcement agencies are increasing the number of troopers and officers on the roads for the New Year's holiday counting period. The increased law enforcement presence is an effort to ensure people are celebrating the holiday safely.
The counting period is scheduled to start at 6:00 p.m. on Friday and run until 11:59 p.m. on Monday.
During the 2022 New Year's counting period, Missouri State Highway Patrol says one person was killed and 331 people were injured in 1,045 traffic crashes. Alcohol beverage companies are also partnering up to ensure people safely make it home.
Breakthru Beverage Missouri and Absolut Vodka have partnered up to give away 2,000 free rides home to people celebrating the 2023 New Year with alcohol. It's in an effort to avoid drinking and driving.
Organizers say the rides are offered through Safe Home After Every Occasion. It's a program designed to make planning a safe ride home before a night out, a habit. Since the program started, it has given more than 100,000 Missourians a free ride home, according to organizers.
The rides will be given out via Lyft to people in the St. Louis, Kansas City, Columbia, and Springfield area.
Organizers say people can get a free ride home (up to a $30 value) from 2 p.m. on Saturday through 2 a.m. on Monday.
To utilize the free ride, people will need to use the code: BBGMONYE2022 in the Lyft app.
For those planning to drive, law enforcement says to remember to make sure everyone is wearing seat belts. Also, make sure to pay attention to your surroundings and use your turn signal to communicate your movements, along with following the speed limit.
