Highway patrol urges safe driving for Christmas holiday

By Nicole Scott

The Missouri State Highway Patrol is sharing tips and advice for a safe holiday as people hit the roads for the holidays.

This year’s Christmas holiday counting period begins at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 24, and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 25. During that period in 2023, there were 1,034 traffic crashes across the state which killed three individuals and injured 346 people.

The patrol is asking drivers to put down cell phones, wear seat belts or helmets for motorcyclists, obey all traffic laws, pay attention and not drive while under the influence of any substances.

If drivers experience a traffic emergency, they can contact the MSHP at 1-800-525-5555 or dial 55 on a cell phone.