Injury crashes, deaths on Missouri roads down this Fourth of July weekend

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The number of injury crashes and deaths on Missouri roads this holiday season is trending lower than predicted, according to crash numbers available from the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

The patrol reported 1,109 traffic accidents on Missouri highways which resulted in 15 deaths over the Fourth of July weekend in 2020. This year, seven people have died out of 80 reported traffic accidents on Missouri highways.

Central Missouri saw even fewer crashes on state roads -- the patrol has reported seven injury crashes and one death in the area as of midday Monday. Gale Blomenkamp from Boone County Fire Protection District said it has been a very quiet weekend on Boone County roads.

The week of July 4 is one of the busiest travel times of the year, according to AAA. According to a press release, Missouri State Highway Patrol participated in Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness and Reduction Effort) this year to reduce the number of accidents caused by drunk drivers. Cpl. Kyle Green of Troop F said all major highways and roads will be crowded today.

"(Drivers) should expect a significant traffic increase, and we will have extra troopers on patrol trying to ensure everyone makes it home safely," Green said.

AAA predicted a 40% increase in road travel nationwide from this time last year.

The highway patrol's counting period for holiday weekend traffic incidents does not end until 11:59 p.m. Monday.