The Missouri State Highway Patrol is urging caution during the Christmas travel season.
Last year over the Christmas holiday, there were 1,117 traffic crashes during the 102-hour counting period. In those crashes, six people were killed and another 342 were injured. This year’s traffic crash counting period is 30 hours in length and begins at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 24, and ends at 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 25.
The patrol offers these tips:
• Wear your seat belt, pay attention to your driving, and don’t drink and drive.
• Travelers are reminded that holiday drivers will affect traffic patterns. If you’re planning a trip during the holiday, keep it in mind. Check the weather forecast and plan accordingly. The Road Condition Report number is 888-275-6636. If bad weather is expected, make sure your vehicle is winterized. 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 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, see traffic emergencies or observe a stranded motorist in need.