Officers beefing up interstate patrols next week
By Jenna Wilson
Next week drivers will be hitting the roads for one of the busiest travel periods of the year, and patrol officers will be watching.
The Missouri State Highway Patrol and partnering law enforcement agencies will be boosting enforcement as Thanksgiving holiday travel kicks off.
“We’re out there now and we’re expecting to see an influx of traffic,” said Sgt. Shane Hux with the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
The official counting period begins at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 27, the day before Thanksgiving, and ends at midnight on Dec. 1. During the same counting period in 2023, nine people were killed and 4,823 were injured in 1,342 traffic crashes on Missouri roadways.
As traveling begins, drivers are being reminded to take extra caution particularly on the interstates which will see the most traffic.
“Interstates are going to be the number one spot we see crashes occur, especially here in Northwest Missouri,” Hux said. “Our two interstates that run north and south, I-29 and I-35, are going to be where the majority of the traffic is as well as on two-lane highways and U.S. highways.”
Some people may be traveling to unfamiliar areas for the holiday and officers are warning them to be aware of their surroundings to prevent human trafficking, which is a growing concern across the country.
“Be vigilant of where you are at all times,” Hux said. “If you’re in a parking lot at night, make sure it’s well-lit and park in the view of cameras if possible. Even if you feel unsafe walking out from a business to your car alone, trust your instincts and ask a store associate to escort you.”
A few other tips to keep in mind are ensuring your vehicle is in good condition, obeying all traffic laws and being sure everyone in your vehicle is wearing a seat belt or secured in the appropriate child safety seat for their size and age, Hux added.
“The goal is for everybody to get to their destination safely, that’s what we want and for everybody to have a happy Thanksgiving,” he said.
