Highway Patrol reports at least seven crashes, ten injuries across Missouri since holiday counting period began

COLUMBIA, Mo (KMIZ)

The Missouri State Highway Patrol’s holiday crash counting period started Thursday at 6:00 p.m. and will end Sunday at midnight.

As of 6 a.m. Friday, online records showed there have been seven crashes across the Show-Me State since the counting period began. None of them happened in Mid-Missouri. Ten people were injured in the crashes.

Last year, there were 746 crashes reported on Missouri highways during the crash counting period.

In those crashes, 10 people were killed and another 310 injured.

This year, Triple A predicts that over 109 million people will travel 50 miles or more as they hit the road this holiday season.

MSHP encourages drivers to give themselves plenty of extra time, slow down and put the cell phones down.

MSHP Corporal Kyle Green says cell phones are to blame for many of the crashes happening on the roadways.

“Sometimes people will say they didn’t realize they were speeding because they were looking down at their phone, you know. It’s just a simple reminder that putting down that phone can make a huge difference out here and reduce a lot of the crashes that we have,” Green said.

Troopers also encourage everyone in vehicles to wear seat belts. MSHP wants travelers to make sure they are well rested and that their vehicle is in good working condition, no matter how long the distance, and to check weather forecasts.

MSHP says if you are planning to drink this holiday season, make sure you have a plan ahead of time to coordinate a designated driver.

If you are faced with a traffic emergency, you’re asked to call 9-1-1.

If you witness any traffic issues or a crime, you can also contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol at 1-800-525-555 or dial *55. The number will ring you to the nearest Highway Patrol headquarters.