The Missouri State Highway Patrol would like to remind drivers to stay safe during the Christmas season and arrive at their holiday celebrations safely.

Travelers are reminded that holiday drivers will affect traffic patterns. Drivers are are encouraged to make sure they are well rested no matter the driving distance. Drivers should check the weather forecast and plan accordingly, make sure their vehicle is in good condition and allow enough time to reach their destination safely. Winterize your vehicle before bad weather arrives, but realize sometimes it’s safest to stay home.

Over Christmas holiday 2021, there were 881 traffic crashes during the counting period with eight fatalities and 401 injured. The 2022 traffic crash counting period begins at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, December 25 and ends at 11:59 p.m. Monday, December 25.

If faced with a traffic emergency, motorists can contact the Missouri State Highway Patrol at 1-800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone. The emergency number will ring into the nearest Highway Patrol headquarters.