Patrol reports nine fatalities during New Year’s counting period

The Missouri State Highway Patrol reports that there were nine fatalities during the New Year’s holiday counting period from 6 p.m. Dec. 31 to 11:59 p.m. Jan. 4.

Troopers investigated 344 traffic crashes with 116 injuries. In addition, troopers made 90 arrests for driving while intoxicated during the 102-hour counting period. There were no boating or drowning incidents during the New Year’s holiday counting period.

During the last New Year’s 30-hour counting period, troopers investigated 116 traffic crashes with 42 injuries. There were zero fatalities reported statewide last year. In addition, troopers made 47 arrests for driving while intoxicated during the shorter counting period.

Five of the fatalities occurred in the Troop C St. Louis area, two fatalities occurred in the Troop H St. Joseph area and one fatality occurred in each of the Troop A Lee’s Summit and Troop E Poplar Bluff areas.

Two people died on New Year’s Eve, four people died on New Year’s Day, one person died on Jan. 3 and two people died on Jan. 4

In support of “The Drive To ZERO Highway Deaths,” the Patrol encourages motorists to protect themselves and their passengers by making sure everyone in the vehicle is properly restrained in a seat belt or child restraint. Watercraft operators should ensure that everyone in the vessel is wearing an approved life jacket. Click It 4 Life And Wear It!!

Nine fatalities were reported in Missouri during this year’s New Year’s counting period.