Missouri State Highway Patrol begins Christmas counting period
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
As the busy Christmas travel season commences, and millions are expected to take to the roads, the Missouri State Highway Patrol has begun its counting period for the 2023 Christmas weekend.
The counting period began Friday at 6 p.m. and will last until Monday, Christmas Day, at 11:59 p.m.
As of 10:45 a.m., Saturday, Highway Patrol reports nine car crashes statewide since counting began. For Troop F specifically, there have been two crashes, with one involving a DWI arrest.
One crash occurred in Morgan County at 6:18 last night on Missouri 145. Another crash happened in Cooper County along Route E, where the DWI arrest was made.
If you are planning to travel this weekend Highway Patrol has some recommendations to stay safe out on the roads.
Drivers are encouraged to get good rest before the trip, ensure your vehicle is in good condition for traveling, and check the weather and road conditions before leaving.
They also ask you to obey all traffic laws and not get behind the wheel if you've been drinking alcohol.
If you run into an emergency out on the roads this weekend, you can call the Missouri State Highway Patrol phone number at 1-800-525-5555 or dial *55 on your cell phone. This will connect the call to the nearest Highway Patrol headquarters for further assistance.
During last year's Christmas counting period, Highway Patrol reported 1,017 crashes statewide that left four dead and 318 people injured.
