The Missouri State Highway patrol is urging residents to make safety a priority during the upcoming Memorial Day weekend.

A press release says Memorial Day weekend is a highly anticipated opportunity for people to enjoy Missouri’s state parks, lakes, sporting events and attractions. This means more travelers on Missouri’s roadways and an increase in boating traffic on the state’s lakes and rivers. Drivers and boat operators are reminded to follow all Missouri’s laws and be courteous.

The Patrol says, “Safety should always be part of your weekend plans. Always wear a seat belt when traveling in a vehicle and wear a life jacket when near, on, or in the water.”

This year’s Memorial Day holiday counting period begins at 6 p.m., Friday, May 27, and ends at 11:59 p.m., Monday, May 30.

The Patrol will be participating in Operation C.A.R.E. (Crash Awareness Reduction Effort) during Memorial Day weekend. Troopers will focus their attention on hazardous moving violations, speed violations and impaired drivers. Every available trooper will be on the road enforcing traffic laws and assisting motorists.

Over the 2021 Memorial Day holiday weekend, 10 people died and 442 were injured in 1,017 traffic crashes. The Memorial Day weekend also is an unofficial start to the boating season. During the 2021 Memorial Day weekend, there were 12 boating crashes, which included one fatality and three injuries. One person drowned over last year’s Memorial Day weekend. Last year, troopers made 57 driving while intoxicated and eight boating while intoxicated arrests.