MSHP sets Memorial Day counting period, gives safety advice
ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) -- The Missouri State Highway Patrol announced it has set the Memorial Day weekend counting period and offers safety advice to holiday travelers.
In a press release, MSHP reminds everyone to include safety when planning the holiday weekend. People may see an increase in travelers on roadways and an increase in boating traffic on the state's lakes and rivers.
The Memorial Day counting period will begin at 6 p.m. on Friday, May 23, and will end at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, May 26. Every available trooper will be on the road or water, enforcing Missouri laws and assisting people.
Troopers on roadways will focus their attention on hazardous moving violations, speed violations and impaired drivers. MSHP will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness Reduction Effort) during the holiday weekend.
Over the 2024 Memorial Day weekend, there were 1,046 vehicle crashes statewide, which injured 486 people and killed 10. Troopers worked 275 traffic crashes involving seven fatalities and 161 injuries.
Memorial Day weekend marks an unofficial start to boating season. During the 2024 Memorial Day weekend, there were seven boating crashes, which included no fatalities and seven injuries. No one drowned over last year's Memorial Day weekend.
Troopers also made 128 driving while intoxicated and six boating while intoxicated arrests.
MSHP reminds drivers and boaters to always be courteous and pay attention. Motorists or boaters in need of assistance or who want to report a crime should use MSHP's Emergency Assistance number at 1-800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone.
MSHP said speed, inattention and impaired driving are the leading causes of traffic crashes. Drivers should obey all traffic laws and make sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat belt or car seat.
When on the water, boaters are encouraged to be courteous to others, wear a life jacket, obey the law regarding the safe operation of a boating vessel and always observe no-wake zones. Causing harm to another person or their property with an excessive boat wake may subject you to enforcement or civil liability.
