Missouri State Highway Patrol’s New Year’s counting period ends Monday
COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)
2024 is officially here and the Missouri State Highway Patrol has been monitoring drivers on the roads this past weekend as their counting period for the New Year comes to a close.
The counting period began at 6 p.m. Friday Dec. 29 and will continue until Monday Jan 1. at 11:59 p.m.
As of 8:30 a.m. Monday, according to crash reports, troopers responded to 30 crashes with injuries statewide. That goes along with three deaths and 161 arrests.
For Troop F specifically, troopers have arrested 30 people and responded to four crashes since the counting period began. A majority of those arrests have been for driving while intoxicated.
In 2023, the patrol responded to 925 traffic crashes in Missouri. In total, six people were killed and 345 injured.
To help keep the roads safer this holiday weekend, the Missouri State Highway Patrol has some recommendations for drivers.
According to a news release from the patrol, it's asking drivers and passengers to remember to buckle up when in the car, pay attention to the roads and not the phone, obey all traffic laws and speed limits and use turn signals.
They are also asking people to have a designated driver if alcohol is involved in your New Year's plans.
They also suggests using services like a taxi or Uber as an alternative to driving home impaired.
Highway Patrol is encouraging people who witness a crime or need assistance to call them directly at (800) 525-5555 or dial *55 on your cellphone.
