Have you and your family members finished their wish list for the holiday? Is safe, crash-free travel on those lists? If not, the Missouri State Highway Patrol encourages you to add it.

A news release says last year over the Christmas holiday, there were 746 traffic crashes during the counting period. In those crashes, 10 people were killed and another 310 were injured. This year’s traffic-crash counting period begins at 6 p.m. on Thursday, December 23, and ends at 11:59 p.m. Sunday, December 26.

Travelers are reminded that holiday drivers will affect traffic patterns. If you’re planning a trip during the holiday, you are urged to keep this in mind. Drivers are encouraged to make sure they are well rested and their vehicle is in good working condition before driving to their destination, no matter how short the distance.

Drivers also are urged to check the weather forecast and plan accordingly. The Road Condition Report number is (800) 222-6400. 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 or pass a stranded motorist in need of assistance, etc.

The Patrol encourages motorists to protect themselves from all types of hazardous drivers by making sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint. They say if alcohol is part of your holiday plan, designate a sober driver.

Too many people die in traffic crashes each year in Missouri. The choices you make when you’re behind the wheel matter. Make good choices, so you’ll never have to say, “If I could just go back.”