Highway Patrol issues holiday safety tips

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reminds travelers that holiday drivers will affect traffic patterns. If you're planning a trip during the holiday, please keep this in mind. Check the weather forecast and plan accordingly. The Road Condition Report number is 1-800-222-6400. If bad weather is expected, make sure your vehicle is winterized. Allow extra time to reach your destination and obey all traffic laws.

Last year over the Christmas holiday, there were 1,857 traffic crashes during the counting period. In those crashes, eight people were killed and another 623 were injured. This year's traffic crash counting period begins at 6 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 24, and ends at 11:59 p.m., Sunday, Dec, 28. "Please remember to wear your seatbelt, pay attention to your driving, and please, don't drink and drive," the patrol said.

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

Motorists should use this number if they are in a traffic crash, witness a crash or crime, or pass a stranded motorist in need of assistance, etc.

"All available officers will be on the roadway during this holiday season," said Colonel James F. Keathley, superintendent of the Patrol.

"Please wear a seat belt, be courteous to other drivers, obey all traffic laws, and refrain from drinking and driving. On behalf of the employees of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, I wish you a safe, happy holiday."