Missouri State Highway Patrol: Have A Safe Christmas Holiday!

Many Missourians will be making special plans for the Christmas holidays. Is safe, crash free travel part of your plans? If not, it should be! Check your vehicle before you travel to ensure that it is in good working condition. Make sure you are well rested before driving to your destination, no matter how short the distance. And, please, please obey all traffic laws and be a courteous driver. The Missouri State Highway Patrol wishes everyone a merry and safe Christmas. One way for it to be merry is for everyone to arrive at their destination safely.


Last year over the Christmas holiday, there were 207 traffic crashes during the 30-hour counting period. In those crashes, one person was killed and another 79 were injured. This year’s traffic crash counting period is 102 hours in length and begins at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, December 24, and ends at 11:59 p.m. Sunday, December 28, 2014.

Remember: Holiday drivers will affect traffic patterns. If you’re planning a trip during the holiday, please keep this in mind. Check the weather forecast and plan accordingly. The Road Condition Report number is 1-888-275-6636. Allow extra time to reach your destination, and obey all traffic laws.

If faced with a traffic emergency, motorists can contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol at 1-800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone. This emergency number will ring into the nearest Highway Patrol headquarters. Motorists should use this number if they are in a traffic crash, witness a crash or crime, or observe a stranded motorist in need of assistance, or other traffic emergencies.

“Last year, a traffic crash occurred every 8.7 minutes over the Christmas holiday,” said Colonel Ron Replogle. “Please wear your seat belt, obey Missouri's traffic laws, and if you include alcohol in your celebrations, please don’t drive.” A sober chauffeur or other alternative transportation modes are always the best option.

The Patrol encourages motorists to protect themselves from all types of hazardous drivers by making sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint. Click It 4 Life!