Traffic fatalities increase, crashes decrease during MSHP New Year’s counting period

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- The Missouri State Highway Patrol released its preliminary report of fatalities and crashes for its 2025-2026 New Year's counting period, noting an increase in traffic fatalities.

Five people died, and 87 were injured in 187 traffic crashes during the counting period, which began at 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31, and ended at 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026.

MSHP said there were no boating crashes or drownings across the state during the counting period.

Troopers also investigated 112 Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) cases.

During the 2024-2025 New Year's holiday counting period, one person was killed and 118 were injured in 264 traffic crashes across Missouri.

MSHP said the fatality statistics could change if later deaths occur and if other departments report fatal crashes at a later date.

Further details related to traffic crashes and arrests can be found on MSHP's website.