The Missouri State Highway Patrol is reminding Texas County residents ahead of the Christmas travel period to wear seat belts and obey traffic laws.
Over the 2024 Christmas holiday, there were 295 traffic crashes statewide during the 30-hour counting period. In those crashes, five people were killed and another 133 were injured.
If you plan to travel during the holiday, be aware of work zones, obey all traffic laws, adjust driving speeds to the weather and make sure everyone in your vehicle is wearing a seat belt or secured in the appropriate child safety seat for their size and age, the patrol said.
Remember: Missouri is a hands-free state, so put the phone down and buckle up. There is never a reason to speed, drive aggressively or drive impaired, the patrol warned.
Due to ongoing road construction throughout the state, the patrol suggests that travelers use the MoDOT Traveler Information Map to plan their travel days. The map provides up-to-date information such as road closures, delays, construction zones and alternative routes. You can download the app for free to your smart device.
The public is encouraged to call the Patrol’s Emergency Report Line 800-525-5555 or *55 on your cellular phone if they witness criminal activity, observe driving behavior that could cause a crash or experience an emergency. If your holiday festivities include intoxicants, designate someone else to drive.