By MATT PIKE
As the Fourth of July holiday approaches, the Missouri State Highway Patrol is reminding travelers and boaters to celebrate all of the festivities safely.
The 2026 holiday counting period will begin at 6pm on Thursday, July 2nd and will run through 11:59 pm on Sunday, July 5th. During the 2025 Fourth of July counting period, 13 people were killed and 415 were injured in 993 traffic crashes across Missouri. Troopers also arrested 118 people for driving while intoxicated. There were 11 boating crashes, which included four injuries and no fatalities. 13 boating while intoxicated arrests were made. No drownings were reported during the holiday weekend.
The Patrol will also participate in Operation C.A.R.E. and Operation Dry Water, which targets impaired vessel operators. Additionally, the Missouri State Highway Patrol reminds motorists and boaters to follow all Missouri laws, be courteous, buckle up when traveling in a vehicle and wear a life jacket when near, on or in water. All available troopers will patrol Missouri roadways and waterways to enforce traffic and boating laws and to offer assistance as needed.
MSHP specifically is reminding boaters to never operate a vessel under the influence of alcohol, to watch their wake and share the waterways responsibly. Additionally, Missouri law prohibits the discharge of fireworks from a vessel. The Patrol is also telling drivers and boaters to designate a sober vehicle or vessel operator if their holiday celebration includes alcohol or other impairing substances. Missouri boaters are encouraged to remain alert for other boats and swimmers and to exercise courtesy and good judgment on the water.
The State Highway Patrol is encouraging travelers to use the Missouri Department of Transportation's Traveler Information Map when planning their trips, due to ongoing road construction. The map provides up-to-date information on road closures, delays, construction zones and alternate routes. The public is encouraged to call the Patrol's Emergency Report Line at 800-525-5555 or *55 on a cellular phone in an emergency or if criminal activity is witnessed.
The emergency numbers are operational for both highway and water emergencies.
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