Missouri Highway Patrol Issues Memorial Day Weekend Warning

We are approaching one of the most dangerous travel and recreation times of the year and the Missouri Highway Patrol has shared some data and a warning about the upcoming Memorial Day weekend.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol just shared a press release which includes some harrowing numbers about what happened last year in the state during the Memorial Day weekend. Here is data from what happened in Missouri during Memorial Day weekend 2024:

• 1046 vehicle crashes statewide
• 275 traffic crashes
• 486 people
• 10 fatalities
• 7 boating crashes
• 7 boating accident injuries
• 128 driving while intoxicated and six boating while intoxicated arrests

The Missouri State Highway Patrol is reminding everyone that the Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of boating season which means a big jump in water activities and unfortunately accidents and injuries, too.

When it comes to driving in Missouri, they warn that "speed, inattention, and impaired driving" are the main causes of tragic accidents. For boat operators, they emphasize the need for life jackets and observing no wake zones. Excessive boat wakes can result in punishing enforcement action and even civil liability in some cases.

The overall vibe of their message is an encouragement of safety and relaxation, but the reminder remains that vigilance is required no matter what type of vehicle you're operating to avoid a Memorial Day weekend tragedy that have become all too common in Missouri.