Multiple crashes take place during Labor Day Weekend
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
The Labor Day weekend has been busy for Missouri State Highway Patrol with multiple crashes on the roads and the water since the counting period started Friday.
At last check, there have been 54 total traffic crashes since 3 a.m. Friday, according to reports.
Three crashes were fatal, including one involving one man in Versailles and another involving 4-year-old child. Nine of the 54 crashes occurred in Troop F territory. There have also been two boating crashes.
Last year in Missouri, 11 people died and 458 were injured in 1,124 thousand one hundred 24 traffic crashes over the labor day holiday.
Highway Patrol hopes people will follow the traffic laws. Kyle Green with Troop F say there are things people can do to stay safe while out on the roads and water.
"If you're wearing your seatbelt, If you're not following to closely, If you're not driving impaired, if you're not speeding," Green said. "If you're doing the things you're suppose to do while you're driving, you shouldn't be involved in a crash."
While Green says there is no magic formula to prevent everything, basic safety tips can prevent tragedies.
"We've had a few bad crashes, you know those are things that we're hoping to avoid," Green said. "But you know by continuing our message hopefully today and through tomorrow as people return home, you know they 'll follow those things."
As people are traveling for the holiday weekend, they can also expect to pay more at the pump.
AAA reports the statewide gas average in Missouri is $3.43 a gallon for regular unleaded fuel, about 58 cents more than this time last year.
Baylee O'Donnell feels that's a deal compared to the $4.00 a gallon she paid else where on her weekend trip.
"It definitely is better. I'll take it. Any discount that we get along the way is fine with me," said O'Donnell
Green says traffic will be heavy over the weekend as people are heading back home. Individuals should give themselves extra time to get to their destination safely.
