The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports eight people died in traffic crashes during the 2022 Thanksgiving holiday counting period. The counting period ran from 6 p.m. Wednesday, November 23, through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, November 27. There were no boating crashes or boating fatalities, but two drownings reported.

Officials say troopers worked 414 traffic crashes, which included eight fatalities and 115 injuries. Statewide, troopers made 113 DWI arrests and 35 drug arrests.

During the 2021 Thanksgiving holiday counting period, troopers investigated 381 traffic crashes, which included nine fatalities and 134 injuries. Statewide, 12 people died and 540 people were injured in 1,365 traffic crashes over last year’s Thanksgiving holiday. Troopers arrested 127 people for driving while intoxicated during the 2021 Thanksgiving holiday counting period.

There were no boating crashes, and two drownings.

In the KMMO listening area, several deaths were reported.

Two traffic fatalities occurred on November 26, 2022. Linda K. Ridge, age 69, of Warrensburg, died when she turned left into the path of another vehicle. She was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. The crash occurred in Johnson County on Missouri Highway 13 at Northeast 600 Road. Dr. Mark Leiser pronounced Ridge deceased at Research Medical Center in Kansas City, MO. The driver of the other vehicle sustained moderate injuries; he was wearing a seat belt. The Patrol’s Major Crash Investigation Team #1 investigated. The Johnson County Sheriff’s Department also responded to the scene.

Mark A. Eduardos, age 52, of Evansville, TN, a pedestrian, died after he was struck by a vehicle in Pettis County on U.S. Highway 65 south of Sacajawea Road. Dr. Davis pronounced Eduardos deceased at Bothwell Hospital in Sedalia. The driver of the vehicle was not injured; he was wearing a seat belt. The Patrol’s Major Crash Investigation Team 1 investigated.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol says to note that the fatality statistics for 2022 could change if late deaths occur, or if other departments report additional traffic crashes.