The Missouri State Highway Patrol (MSHP) encourages everyone to make good decisions regarding New Year’s celebrations. During the 2022 New Year’s period, one person was killed and 331 injured in 1,045 traffic crashes in Missouri.

The 2023 New Year’s holiday counting period begins at 6:00 p.m. Friday, December 30, 2022 and ends at 11:59 p.m. on Monday, January 2, 2023.

MSHP reminds individuals to designate a sober driver or utilize a ride share or taxi service to insure you arrive home safely. The roadway is no place for a driver under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

If you plan to drive on New Year’s, remember to buckle up and make sure all passengers do the same. Pay attention, obey all traffic laws and when in doubt, yield the right of way. Drivers are reminded to allow extra time during inclement weather or consider staying at home.

The public is encouraged to call the Patrol’s Emergency Assistance Number at 800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone if they witness criminal activity or experience an emergency.