The Missouri Department of Transportation and Missouri State Highway Patrol are reminding drivers to prioritize safety ahead of the statewide travel for Christmas and New Year’s Day.

Last holiday season, 27 people were killed in Missouri traffic crashes from Christmas Eve through New Year’s Day. There were 20 people killed in Missouri traffic crashes during the same time frame in 2023. This year, MoDOT and highway safety partners are urging Missourians to do their part in securing a fatality-free holiday. MoDOT Highway Safety and Traffic Engineer Jon Nelson emphasized there are simple actions every Missourian can take to help keep themselves and others using the roadways safe: Buckle up. Phone down. Slow down. Drive sober.

MSHP encourages travelers to be aware of work zones, obey all traffic laws, adjust driving speeds to the weather, and make sure everyone in your vehicle is wearing a seat belt or secured in the appropriate child safety seat for their size and age.

To help make your travel safer and plan your trip, visit MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map and find the most updated travel information.